1. Schools and Libraries Program of the Universal Service Fund known as"E-Rate"

3. How Does Affect Schools

4. Funding

5. Criteria Technology Plan

8. Benefits Texas Schools

9. Discounts for Telecommunication Services, Internet Access and In some cases Internal Connections

10. Administered by the Schools and Libraries Division (SLD) of the Univeral Service Administrative Company (USAC) under the direction of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

13. Discounts Depend on Level of Poverty and Urban/Rural Status Population

14. Schools Require a Technology Plan Approved by TEA

16. Summary The E-Rate Program was established in 1998 and under the direction of the FCC providing discounts to schools and libraries for affordable telecommunications and information services. Schools are required to have a technology plan designed to improve education and must meet 5 criteria. The program has benefited Texas schools and libraries with more than 2.7 billion in discounts for telecommunication services, internet access and in some cases, internal connections.

18. http://www.tea.state.tx.us/

19. · Texas Education Agency. (2008). Progress Report on the Long Range Plan for Technology 2006-2020. Austin: Texas Education Agency