Technology-eLearning
E-Rate
Universal Service Program for Schools and Libraries
Funds to Get You and Keep You Connected
The Universal Service Program for Schools and Libraries -
more widely known as the "E-rate" - is a Federal
program that provides discounts to all K-12 schools (public
and private) and public libraries to assist them with internet
connectivity as well as reduced costs related to telecommunication services. The discounts range from 20% - 90% and are based
on the income levels of the students and their eligibility
for the National School Lunch Program.
In general, the eligible services fall into three major categories:
- Telecommunications - including basic telephone service,
cellular and paging services, and the cost of dedicated lines
(e.g. 56K, T-1 lines) that provide internet access
- Internet Access - gateway internet services from an
ISP (Internet Service Provider)
- Internal Connections -- including wiring and network
equipment needed to bring information directly to classrooms
or library patrons.
Please visit the Eligible Services List to see descriptions
of the eligible products and services.
E-rate does not cover desktop computers, learning software,
teacher training, or electrical infrastructure improvements
to school buildings.
 E-Rate—Telecommunications Discounts
Educational entities registered with the Illinois State Board of Education are eligible for the E-rate program, which is administered by the Schools and Libraries Division (SLD) of the Universal Service Administrative Corporation (USAC). Discounts ranging from 20% to 90% are available for telecommunications services, Internet access and internal connections.
E-rate applicants must follow the Children's Internet Protection Act if the application covers Internet access and/or internal connections. Discounts for telecommunications services (provided by a telecommunications carrier) do not require CIPA compliance.
 Calculating your discount
Technology Planning
Approved Technology Plans are required of any district or other educational entity applying for E-Rate discounts for eligible services other than basic telephone services (defined as basic local, cellular, PCS, and/or long distance telephone service and/or voice mail).
If the applicant does not have an approved technology plan in place prior to filing the Form 470 each year, then a Basic Technology Plan must be written. Districts and educational entities seeking 2009 approval MUST submit their plans online by February 27, 2009 to be considered for review.
The technology plan should justify the services that are being sought via Form 470 and include the five required USAC elements. Technology Plans can be created/written online at http://iirc.niu.edu. The 2009 template will open on September 2, 2008. For more technology plan information or technical assistance, contact your Learning Technology Center Director or Faith Bishop, Division of Curriculum and Instruction, at 217-557-7323 or fbishop@isbe.net.
- Create the Basic Technology Integration Plan online at http://iirc.niu.edu. The Basic Technology Integration Plan Guide (available in PDF) offers important tips and reminders. Refer to it before you begin.
If your district or LEA does not have access to the online template use the links below to access templates designed to help you create a plan that includes the five required areas. Contact your regional Learning Technology Center Director for technical assistance. (Remember, the paper/doc templates are provided for educational entities that do not have access to the online template at http://iirc.niu.edu or for districts desiring the use of a tool for planning purposes only. All educational entities having access to the online template at http://iirc.niu.edu)
- Criteria for technology plans (from the Schools and Libraries Division):
- Length: The Basic Technology Plan written to support a Form 470 must cover an entire fiscal year. (July 1 through June 30) The complete Technology Integration Plan submitted for approval to the Illinois State Board of Education must cover three fiscal years. Plans submitted for approval in 2009 will start July 1, 2009 and end June 30, 2012 plans should cover no more than three years, according to Schools and Libraries criteria.
- Approval Process: Facilitation of peer review for plans submitted to ISBE is conducted by the Learning Technology Centers under the direction and supervision of ISBE. Final plan action/approval status is awarded by ISBE based upon the recommendation of plan reviewers and certified by USAC certified Technology Plan Approvers on staff within the agency. (See the complete list of certified Technology Plan Approvers online at http://www.usac.org/sl/about/overview-process.aspx.
Timetable:
The application process involves several steps.
Illinois public school districts and other educational entities submitting new technology plans for 2009 approval have until February 27, 2009 to submit the Technology Integration Plan online at http://iirc.niu.edu.
Basic Technology Plans (a.k.a. Draft Plans) written to support the Form 470 can be created using the online format. It is the responsibility of the educational entity/applicant to:
- print a PDF of the completed Basic Technology Plans,
- to place a date on the document attesting to the creation/written date,
- to secure the necessary administrative signature(s), and
- make the proper assurances in regard to CIPA compliance as required by USAC
- retain all documents in accordance with the document retention policies available online at:
E-Rate forms are available on the SLD web site: http://www.sl.universalservice.org/form/default.asp
Most forms can be filed electronically: http://www.sl.universalservice.org/menu.asp
- Form 470: (similar to a purchase order). Can be filled out at any time, but generally completed between July 1 and January 1. (Ensure that a technology plan is written prior to this step.)
- Form 471: Filed during a "window" timeframe announced each year by the SLD. The window is usually from mid-November through mid-February. Form 471 cannot be filed until at least 28 days after Form 470 (if needed) is filed.
- Form 486: Indicates services are still needed and if CIPA compliance is met, if applicable.
- Form 472: Reimbursement request.
If you have any questions about E-rate for Illinois schools, please contact your Learning Technology Center Director or ISBE E-rate contact, Kathleen Barnhart, Division of Curriculum and Instruction at 217-557-7323 or kbarnhar@isbe.net.
Additional Resources
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