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USDA Awards $318,000 to Expand Educational Opportunities in Rural Schools

2011-12-09T16:38:00.000-08:00

San Antonio, TX, December 8, 2011 – Education Service Center, Region 20 (ESC-20) has been awarded $318,000 from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) grant program. Through the award of this grant, nine (9) of our most rural schools will reap extensive benefits in education through the use of advanced telecommunications technologies. Partners on this grant include:

Big Springs Charter School

Center Point Elementary

Charlotte Elementary

Cotulla (Encinal, Frank Newman, Ramirez-Burks Elementary, Cotulla High School)

Poteet Elementary

Uvalde Batesville School

The purpose of the ESC-20 DLT program is to provide high-definition distance learning equipment to support Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), as well as upgrade the ESC-20 bridge equipment and scheduling software. The "Visions Your Future" program will include an interactive lecture series for elementary, middle and high school students focused on the career clusters that are most in demand in the San Antonio area (Manufacturing and biosciences).

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Contact Information
Education Service Center, Region 20
Harriett Jackson
Ph: (210)370-5713
Fx: (210)370-5743
http://www.esc20.net

netVision20 Perks!

2011-08-01T16:23:00.000-07:00

ESC-20 has secured special pricing for the purchase of Microsoft software for netVision20 member home users. Prices are significantly lower than those found in stores. All you need to do is register and order.

Texas Education Agency Update

2011-07-15T16:59:00.000-07:00

Texas Education Agency (TEA) is undergoing changes to programs they administer. Programs affrected include Title II, Part D, STaR Chart, ePlan and E-Rate.

Title II, Part D
Technology Application Teacher Network (TATN) website will be maintained by the Texas Education Agency’s (TEA) Division of Instructional Materials and Educational Technology (IMET).

STaR Chart
STaR Chart system is moving into Project Share with a new URL – www.starchart.epsilen.com

ePlan
Districts will complete their ePlan the same way as in the past, and ePlan information will be available on the TEA website.

E-Rate
Support and oversight of the e-rate program will be handled by TEA – including the function of Texas E-Rate Coordinator; interactions with the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) and the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), which administers the program for the FCC, including serving as intermediary between USAC and Texas public schools; maintaining an E-Rate listserv; providing National School Lunch Program (NSLP) data for applicants and USAC; statewide training; communications with the FCC and USAC Program Integrity Assurance (PIA) and school districts; and other questions that may arise concerning the program.

See http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/taa/stanprog071511.html for full details regarding these changes.

Education Grants

2011-07-15T14:30:00.000-07:00

Deadline Grants

H-E-B Excellence in Education Early Childhood Award

The H-E-B Excellence in Education Early Childhood Award is designed to support public or private schools or not-for-profit learning agencies that focus on the care and education of children of under the age of five. The purpose of the award is to offer support to help create or enhance Kinder Readiness programs that prepare children to enter Kindergarten socially and academically ready to learn.

Due: January 6, 2012

The Michael Davis Music Is Revolution Mini-Grant

The Michael Davis Music Is Revolution Foundation’s mini-grant programs was created for teachers to implement, support, and/or improve their ability to provide quality music education for their students. Mini-grants are awarded for up to $500. The foundation is primarily seeking projects that clearly contain a music education focus. Funds may be used for supplies, materials, equipment, transportation for a field trip, and/or to bring a performer or musical group to school. Applications for the mini-grants are reviewed three times a year.

Due: January 15, April 14, and October 15

ING Unsung Heroes

Every year grants are given to K-12 educators utilizing new teaching methods and techniques that improve learning. Each year, educators submit applications for an ING Unsung Heroes grant by describing projects they have initiated or would like to pursue. Each project is judged on its:

· Innovative method
· Creativity
· Ability to positive influence the students

Each year, 100 finalists are selected to receive a $2,000 grant, payable to both the winning teacher and his or her school. At least one grant is awarded in each of the 50 states, provided at least one qualified application was received from each state. Winners are selected by Scholarship America, a national non-profit educational support and student aid service organization.

Of the 100 finalists, three are selected for additional financial awards: $25,000 for first place; $10,000 for second place; and $5,000 for third place. The top winners are selected by ING’s Educators Advisory Board, consisting of six distinguished educators from across the United States.

Due: April 30, 2012

Education Jobs Fund

2011-05-21T18:07:00.000-07:00

The Ed Jobs program is a new federal program that provides $10 billion in assistance to states to save or create education jobs for the 2010–2011 school year.

Ed Jobs Fund PowerPoint Presentation (PPTX)
Ed Jobs Fund Guidance (PDF)

Legislative Update

2011-05-21T18:01:00.000-07:00

Lawmakers did reach a key compromise that underfunds public schools by $4 billion, instead of $8 billion.

Follow some of the links below for news and information.
Capital News
TASA News

Did you attend Tech Fiesta 2011?

2011-05-21T17:20:00.000-07:00

Give us your feedback.
See http://www.esc20.net/techfiesta for a summary of the event.

2010 LRPT Progress Report

2011-01-28T11:16:00.001-08:00

The 2010 Progress Report on the Long-Range Plan for Technology (LRPT) 2006-2010 has been published and can be reviewed at the link.

iTunes U Launched

2010-12-07T08:52:00.000-08:00

On August 24, 2010, Governor Rick Perry announced the creation of Texas Education on iTunes U, which offers a modern approach to keeping teachers and students engaged and informed. Free supplementary content can be accessed anywhere. Texas Education on iTunes U expands Project Share, a collaborative effort with the New York Times and Epsilen LLC. The Project Share website will link directly to Texas Education on iTunes U.

Speak Up 2010

2010-12-07T08:30:00.000-08:00

According to Project Tomorrow, Speak Up is a national online research project which gives inidividuals the opportunity to share their viewpoints about key educational issues. Information is gathered from students, educators and parents. The survey is open until January 21, 2011.

Share your ideas and opinions in a national online survey.

Join students, educators, and parents from around the country in speaking up to decision-makers about technology, science and 21st century skiils.

See http://www.speakup4schools.org/speakup2010/ to complete the survey.

Electronic Course Program (eCP) through the Texas Education Agency (TEA)

2010-09-22T19:58:00.000-07:00

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) is offering an Electronic Course Program (eCP). According to TEA's website, the eCP offers an alternative way to educate Texas public school students through online learning.

Through TEA's eCP, Texas districts and open-enrollment charter schools selected to participate in the program will be given the opportunity to provide online learning options to full-time public school students. Students are not required to be located on the physical premises of a school district or open enrollment charter school. A full-time virtual program can offer individualized instruction that is easily adjusted for a student’s own learning pace and schedule.

For more information, access the TEA link.

Inaugural Mayor's Cup Cyber Competition

2010-09-22T19:50:00.000-07:00

Technology Directors are invited to attend an informational session on Thursday, September 23rd, at Live Oak Civic Center, regarding two cyber security contests for high school students: 1) a local Mayor's Cup Cyber Competition in October; and 2) a national CyberPatriot Competition happening October 2010 through April 2011. A single registration enters teams into both contests. The competitions are designed for schools with JROTC programs and/or programs that teach IT and IT security.

The information session will explain the inaugural Mayor's Cup competition, which will be hosted by UTSA's Center for Infrastructure Assurance and Security (CIAS) in San Antonio during early October (National Cyber Awareness Month). A Mayor's Cup Award will be presented to the winner of the local competition, and will also prepare students to compete in the national CyberPatriot contest that will begin later that month.

With regard to the CyberPatriot Competition:

* This is the 3rd year of the event, hosted by the Air Force Association.

* In previous years, the competition was limited to JROTC students (aka the "All Service" division with 500 available slots). However, this year there will be an "Open" division (for non-JROTC students) with an additional 500 slots for teams throughout the country.

* Both division challenges will culminate at an in-person Championship at the Gaylord National Resort in Washington, DC on April 1-2, 2011.

* The first rounds of the CyberPatriot competition are all virtual - teams can compete at their schools, at a sponsor's facility, or even at a team member's home. If a team makes it to the finals they'll be invited to compete in person in Washington DC.

* The registration fee per team is $350. A team consists of up to 5 primary and 5 alternates players.

* San Antonio area schools can sign up now for the 2011 season (see details at http://www.afa.org/CyberPatriot/).

Several opportunities exists on multiple levels for San Antonio schools, students and businesses.

iPad Testing Underway

2010-06-08T13:51:00.000-07:00

The iPad has arrived at Education Service Center, Region 20 (ESC-20). Information about some of the discoveries made are shown below.

Connectivity
The model received does not have 4-G. This means that you must be near a WiFi connection to access the Internet. There is no fee since most WiFi connections are free of charge. Setup of wireless was very simple. The unit located wireless access points available. The key was entered for access (if password protected) and connection was readily available for access points requiring no password. This was a quick and easy process for setup of wireless.

Video
There is no video camera.

Multitasking
There is no toggling between two running applications. Access is one item at a time.

Interfacing with the Device
The feel of the device without a mouse and keyboard will be foreign to primary PC users. A wireless keyboard was purchased to simulate the PC feel. Since there is a virtual keyboard that comes up anytime there is a field that can accept input, the external keyboard may not be a needed addition. Using your fingers to maneuver is the most natural feel. The one thing that has taken some time to get used to is that the keyboard displayed shows all capital letters. To make the switch to numbers, you must switch to the number keyboard by touching a number selection.

The device is easy to hold while in use, but a case is essential if you add the wireless keyboard so that it stands up much like a monitor while you type. It is essential to have some type of case for carrying.

Switching from Portrait to Landscape
The switch from portrait to landscape is automatic when the unit is turned. There is a slight delay in the unit realizing a move has occurred.

Web page Access
Surfing the web has it’s challenges. You don’t realize how many website use Adobe Flash until it is unavailable. You just see a black background – no warning.

Office Productivity/Printing
As far as office productivity, printing and work functions, there are apps for that.

Included Applications
Applications that are included with the device upon arrival are mobile Safair web browser, mail, calendar, contacts, notes, maps, videos, YouTube, itunes, App store, settings, photos and iPod.

Apps
There are lots of apps available. Several are free including apps to view books, play games, etc. Examples are iBooks, USA TODAY, WebMD, The Weather Channel Max, Jumbo Calculator, etc.

Apps that are productivity tools to make the device useful in a work environment normally carry a fee. Some examples of applications to extend ESC-20 applications would include:
• Print – Print Bureau $14.99
• Word/Excel/Powerpoint – Documents to Go Premium – Office Suite $14.99
• VNC – iTeleport $24.99
• PDF Reader – PDF Reader Pro $.99
• Outlook Web Access 2010 - $7.99

These have not been tested yet, pending purchase. More information as items are discovered.

Videoconference Exchange Update

2010-05-29T09:14:00.000-07:00

Teacher Sharing via Videoconferencing

There is a great need for teacher sharing. Several districts have indicated subjects that they need and others have indicated what they offer. See our newly created website containing information including:

Contacts
Courses Needed
Courses Available
Sample Agreement
Sample Fee Structure

Interested in providing a course? We need you!

Tech Fiesta 2010 is OVER!!! Save the 2011 Dates - April 7 - 8, 2011!!!

2010-05-22T15:16:00.000-07:00

FCC Proposed Changes to E-rate Program

2010-05-21T14:50:00.001-07:00

Cathey George provided the information below regarding proposed e-rate program changes.

The FCC released a Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) yesterday, May 20, 2010 (available at http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-10-83A1.pdf) containing proposed reforms to the E-Rate program. I have listed a brief summary of the proposed changes that could be implemented as early as next year (FY 2011) below. Remember that the contents of this NPRM are just suggestions. If you wish to make a comment to any or all of these suggestions, you will have 30 days to submit your comments to the FCC after it is published in the Federal Register (which is expected to be soon), and then an additional 15 days after that to submit reply comments. Comments may be filed electronically by accessing the ECFS: http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/ecfs2/. All filings related to this NPRM shall refer to CC Docket No. 02-6 and GN Docket No. 09-51.

General summary of potential reforms:

Streamlining the application and competitive bidding process for Telco and Internet Access services
Codifying the requirement of “fair and open” in the competitive bidding process
Simplifying the way schools calculate their discounts
Supporting 24/7 online learning by funding beyond just in-school use
Providing greater flexibility in terms of cost-effective bandwidths by entities that are not eligible telecommunication providers
Expanding the reach of broadband in residential schools

1. Technology Planning: The FCC proposes to eliminate the separate technology planning requirement for applicants only requesting Priority 1 funding (telecom and internet) that are otherwise still subject to state technology planning requirements. Proposes to retain technology planning requirement for applicants requesting Priority 2 funding. Also wants comments on whether to continue requiring 3rd party approval of technology plans.

2. Form 470/Competitive Bidding: The FCC proposes to eliminate requirement that applicants filing for Priority 1 funding file a 470 and wait 28 days before signing a contract with their selected vendor, as long as those applicants are subject to public procurement requirements. Applicants NOT subject to public procurement requirements and ALL applicants requesting Priority 2 funding would continue to be required to follow the current Form 470 bidding process. NOTE: The NPRM is unclear whether entities not required to bid telecom and internet services under state law also are exempt from the Form 470 process.

3. Streamlining the Application Process: The FCC proposes to make all E-Tate forms and documents (such as 470, 471, 486, 472, SPIN change requests, FRN extensions, etc) available for online submission, and applicants should be able to save, retrieve, and edit previously filed applications and use these forms as the basis for future funding requests.

4. Bidding Conduct: The FCC proposes a list of prohibited competitive bidding behaviors with some of the new and some we already are aware. They further propose a specific list of what applicants can and cannot do in terms of bidding process.

5. Discount Calculations: The FCC proposes to revise discount rules so that schools will calculate a single district-wide discount by using the average discount rate for the entire school district rather than the weighted average for each school building. For example, applicants would no longer list building enrollment and NSLP data on Block 4, but rather would list the total enrollment for the district and the total NSLP eligibility. That overall NSLP eligibility figure would then be compared against the discount matrix to determine the school district’s discount for priority one and priority two services. All schools and libraries within that school district would then receive the same discount rate. In other words, you would not have different discount percentages for each entity in the district. They would all have the same discount rate.

6. Definition of Rural: The FCC proposes to adopt a new definition of “rural area” for the purpose of determining whether an E-Rate applicant qualifies for the rural discount. Under the new definition, an area will be considered rural based on the methodology and locale codes used by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Any school that is within a territory that is classified as “town-distant,” “town-remote,” “rural-distant,” or “rural-remote” by an NCES urban-centric locale code will be considered rural for purposes of calculating its E-Rate discount level.

7. Internet Access Service: The FCC proposes to adopt the National Broadband Plan recommendation to provide full E-Rate support for wireless Internet access service used with a portable learning devices that are used off premises. , This would allow E-Rate funding for Internet access services, which are already eligible, to be used to facilitate learning both on and off premises. The requirements of the Children’s Internet Protection Act and the Protecting Children in the 21st Century Act still would apply to services being used off-premises

8. Low Cost Fiber from any Provider: The FCC proposes to support the lease of fiber, even if unlit, from third parties that are not telecommunications carriers, such as municipalities and other community or anchor institutions, to allow schools and libraries more flexibility to select the most cost-effective broadband solutions

9. Support for Broadband Services: The FCC We seeks comment on whether there are specific telecommunications services, Internet access services, or priority two services on the current ESL that should receive a lower priority in E-Rate funding so that we can target funding toward higher bandwidth connectivity. For example, should dial-up Internet access continue to be funded as a priority one service or instead, should greater priority be given to applicants seeking support for broadband services? Similarly, should there be given a higher priority to advanced telecommunications and broadband services, rather than voice telecommunications services?

10. Providing Internal Connections Funding to More Applicants: The FCC wishes to provide internal connections funding to more schools and at the same time ensure a predictable amount of internal connections funding each year. Allocate funding for internal connections based on a per student cap per school district, to which the applicant’s discount rate would then be applied. To ensure that a predictable amount of funding is available, a defined amount of funding would be set aside. This would eliminate the 2 in 5 rule.

11. Basic Maintenance – The FCC seeks comment on options for modifying the funding of basic maintenance of internal connections.

a. Option 1: Eliminate E-rate funding for basic maintenance of internal connections.

b. Option 2: Cap basic maintenance payments and reimburse requests that are based on actual repair and maintenance costs only.

12. Indexing the Annual Funding Cap to Inflation: The FCC proposes to index the E-Rate program funding cap to the rate of inflation, so that the program maintains its current purchasing power in 2010 dollars. In order to maintain predictability, however, they propose that during periods of deflation, the funding cap will remain at the level from the previous funding year. The proposal would NOT adjust the current cap to adjust for inflation since the program began in 1998.

13. Disposal of Obsolete Equipment: The FCC proposes to revise their rules to provide for the disposal of equipment for payment or other consideration where such equipment has exhausted its useful life. The FCC proposes to allow schools and libraries to dispose of equipment for payment or other consideration under the following conditions:

a. the equipment has exhausted its useful life but no sooner than five years after the equipment is installed;
b. the equipment is formally declared to be surplus by the school board, information technology officer, or other authorized body or individual;
c. the school or library notifies USAC within 90 days of disposal and keeps a record of the disposal for a period of five years following the disposal; and
d. the disposal process fully complies with state and local laws, where applicable.

Technical Training (May - August 2010)

2010-05-07T10:47:00.000-07:00

May
14        Windows XP Professional (ET00514-N01)
18        Basic Troubleshooting with Windows (ET00518-N01)
25        Introduction to Networking (ET00525-N01)

June
8-9     Advanced Networking (ET00608-N01)
15       Video Methodologies (ET00615-N01)

July
6         Wireless Networks (ET00706-N01)
7         Windows 2008 Server Management (ET00707-N01)
13       Windows 7 (ET00713-N01)
19-23 A+ 2009 Essentials (ET00719-N01)

August
2-6     A+ 2009 Application (ET00802-N01)
6        Fundamentals of DNS (ET00806-N01)
9-13   Network+ 2009 (ET00809-N01)

Register via ilearning.

Need customized training for your school and/or district, let us know and we can develop and deliver training specific to your needs at your location or ESC-20.

In addition, the following Oracle courses are being delivered at ESC-20.

May
17-21 Oracle Database 11g: Introduction to SQL ED1

June
21-25 Oracle Database 11g: Administration Workshop II

Call Jason Miller at (847)330-4130 to register.

Updated E-rate Information (Courtesy of Cathey George)

2010-05-04T11:18:00.000-07:00

E-Rate Manuals – E-Rate manuals are now ready and can be ordered on the website: http://tpesc.esc12.net/erate/workshops.html

Beginners Training – We are currently making our summer training schedules that will once again be presented via Webinars. June seems to be a possible month for these webinars but no decision has been made to data. Watch for details to be released soon.

Technology Plans - Don't forget that technology plans covering July 1, 2010 - June 30, 2011 are required to be approved by July 1, 2010 (only 2 monthly away). If you're a public or charter school entity and are unsure about the status of your technology plan, login to the ePlan system (https://www.sedl.org/cgi-bin/mysql/eplan/eplan.cgi) and double check the status of your plan. Although you have missed the March 31 deadline for getting those to TEA so they guarantee they will be reviewed and approved before July 1, you should immediately take action of plans that need either updating or plans that need to be submitted for approval. Please DO NOT WAIT any longer. Now is the time to take action to assure the tech plan does not keep you from getting your much deserved E-Rate funding for FY 13.

2010 FCDLs - USAC is expected to begin issuing FY 2010 Funding Commitment Decision Letters (FCDLs) very soon. For those applicants lucky enough to be funded in Wave 1, the next step will be to file the Form 486. Although it will probably be several months until Priority 2 applications are funded, USAC has reported $900 million in unused funds from previous years that is available for rollover into FY 2010. If the FCC approves the rollover (which they have typically have done), it likely means that FY 2010 requests could again be funded at a lower percentage.

Status of FY 2009 Applications:
Priority 1 (telecom and Internet access): Many of our Texas schools have already been funded and the remaining FRN’s are being actively reviewed. If you have questions, call the Client Services Bureau (CSB: 888-203-8100) and request information.

Priority 2 (internal connections and basic maintenance): Funding is still being approved at 80% and above, and denied at 69% and below, although it is expected that the threshold may go lower than 80%.

CIPA Amendment - In October 2008, Congress passed the "Protecting Children in the 21st Century Act," which contained a provision requiring schools' Internet Safety Policies to include "... educating minors about appropriate online behavior, including interacting with other individuals on social networking websites and in chat rooms and cyberbullying awareness and response." Essentially this means that schools will be required to teach online safety to students as a prerequisite to receiving E-Rate funding. Although the law is 19 months old, the FCC has not yet released the official Order that will implement the new requirements and set deadlines for compliance. It is believed that the Order, when released, will have the new provisions begin July 2011. In the meantime, I do recommend that if you are currently writing or rewriting your Internet Safety Policy, be sure to include this new provision. In addition, your school should be thinking about how you will actually implement the new law when it does become effective, if you aren't providing such online behavior education already. (Libraries are exempt from the new provision.)

Audits - Although the FCC has promised that the harsh FCC OIG attestation audits that applicants endured over the last three years will not be repeated, IPIA (Improper Payments Information Act) audits are slated to resume in the next few months. Specifically, we anticipate more audits than before (720/year as opposed to 250), but the audits will be conducted nearly entirely from remote locations and are slated to last only a few days, unlike the 3-6 week on-site audits that we previously experienced.

E-Rate NPRM - The FCC has announced that at their May 20 Open Meeting, they will vote to release a Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) specifically related to the E-Rate recommendations contained in the National Broadband Plan that was released in mid March. The National Broadband Plan, available at http://download.broadband.gov/plan/national-broadband-plan.pdf, set forth 12 E-Rate recommendations, but few specifics on how to implement each recommendation. This NPRM is the document which will seek comments from the E-Rate community on very specific ideas. After the NPRM is released, it must be published in the Federal Register (which could take a month or two), and then interested parties will have 30 days to submit comments, and then 30 days to submit reply comments.

Got your IPAD Yet?

2010-04-17T16:26:00.000-07:00

An iPad was donated by Vbrick as a door prize at our Tech Fiesta 2010 event. In reading some of the reports regarding the iPAD, Israel and some large organizations have ban the device on their networks. According to the Washington Post, the reason for the ban that has been given is that the devices wireless strength violates Israeli law and will overpower other wireless devices.

In recent developments, some large universities have also ban the device for security issues. The Wall Street Journal reports that the iPad has connectivity problems and may cause bandwidth overload according to Cornell. George Washington has not only ban the iPad but all Apple devices including the iPhone and iTouch.

ESC-20 hopes to purchase an iPAD in the near future so that we can examine it's effect on our network and test what impact it may have at our school districts. Stay tuned.

Project SHARE Information

2010-02-25T14:27:00.000-08:00

Project SHARE is the portal through which teachers and students will communicate, collaborate and access 21st century digital content. For information, see the links.

Overview
Epsilen Requirements

Special $500 STEM Awards Available for K-12 Teachers!!!

2010-02-25T14:13:00.000-08:00

The AIAA Space Systems Technical Committee (AIAA/SSTC) and the Challenger Center will offer six $500 awards each for both elementary and middle/high school teachers to assist with the procurement of programs and supplies for science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education. All K-12 educators associated with Challenger Learning Centers are eligible.

To apply, submit a request for funds (RFP) to:

Challenger Learning CEnter of Colorado
ATTN: Tracey Tomme
10215 Lexington Drive, Suite 110
Colorado Springs, CO 80908

Specify whether you are applying for K-6 or middle/high school. Briefly outline how you would use this award in your classroom and how students would benefit - maximum of two pages. Deadline is February 28, 2010.

E-rate Assistance

2010-02-05T06:41:00.000-08:00

Cathey George, Texas E-rate Coordinator has provided information that e-rate assistance will be available the weekend of February 6th and 13th. Contact and additional information provided is below for questions.

The SLD has announced that the Client Service Bureau (CSB) will be open this weekend from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. to provide assistance to applicants. To reach CSB, call (888)203-8100. Regular hours are from 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. during weekdays. Call volumes are significantly higher during the last few days of the filing window, so you will generally reach an agent more quickly if you call this weekend or weekdays before 11:00 a.m. or after 3:00 p.m.

Hint: Hit "0" when you reach the automated attendant.

New Entity Numbers: The most commonly asked questions this week have dealt with new entities or entities that will be opening during funding year 2010. The Form 471, Block 4 should contain all entities that will be receiving service during FY 2010. If you have a new school or NIF (i.e., admin building, bus barn, transportation building, etc.) and need entity number, simply call the SLD and one will be assigned NSLP students, check the "new construction/non-instructional facility" box and enter the shared discount for the district in the text box. Leave the NCES codes blank (ignore the pop-up error); it is not possible to obtain NCES codes (they are assigned by NCES for new schools much later) and admin buildings do not have NCES codes.

$500 Million Roll-up Funds for 2010 E-rate Possible

2010-01-27T09:01:00.000-08:00

According to Anne Campbell, Board Chair of the Schools and Libraries Division (SLD) of USAC, in a meeting held on January 25, 2010 in Washington, D.C., there is now about $500 million in unused funds from prior years that can be rolled over into 2010.

Mel Blackwell, Vice President of SLD commented that he hoped that there would eventually be more and that he would announce any increase as soon as possible so applicants could have information in a timely manner.

Want to receive this king of update as it happens?

Join the TPESC List Serv at http://tpesc.esc12.net/eratedata/maillist.aspx

Amendments to TAC Regarding Graduation Requirements

2010-01-26T10:14:00.000-08:00

The State Board of Education has adopted amendments to the Texas Administrative Code (TAC) regarding graduation requirements. Get more information at the websites indicated.

Graduation Requirements
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Videoconferencing Course Exchange Being Explored

2010-01-16T09:11:00.000-08:00

A survey was conducted of Education Service Center (ESC-20) school districts to determine interest in high school educators teaching Advanced Placement (AP), Dual Credit, High School Credit and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses via the netVision20 videoconference network based on a superintendent request.

Twenty-seven (27) responses were received. Respondents included eighteen (18) Independent School Districts (ISDs) and nine (9) from schools.

Eight (8) were willing to provide AP, Dual Credit (8) and High School Credit courses (8) with zero (0) willing to provide IB.

Thirteen (13) would like to receive AP, eighteen (18) would like Dual Credit, twelve (12) would like High School Credit and five (5) would like IB.

Of those that were willing to provide a course to other schools, eleven (11) were willing to provide the course on the standard schedule with ten (10) indicating that the schedule was not applicable (N/A). Of those needing a course, one (1) needed the block schedule, nineteen (19) needed the standard schedule, six (6) indicated that the schedule was N/A and one (1) needed alternative classes on an eight period day.
Out of those willing to provide a course, one (1) had a fee structure, five (5) did not have a fee structure, fifteen (15) indicated that it was not applicable, one (1) indicated that they did not know and one (1) indicated they would prefer not to charge a fee.

Based on this information, ESC-20 will compile the information so that a possible exchange can begin in the Fall of 2010.

If you are interested, but were not able to respond to the survey, please contact us.

Contact
Ronnie Dennis
ronnie.dennis @ esc20.net
(210)370-5632

January 2010 Events

2010-01-09T19:28:00.001-08:00

Calendar

Professional Development

2010-01-08T18:34:00.000-08:00

January 2010
20 Introduction to Networking ET00120-N01
21 - 22 Advanced Networking ET00121-N01
25 - 29 A+ 2009 Essentials ET00125-N01

February 2010
01 - 05 A+ 2009 Application ET00201-N01
08 - 12 Oracle Database 11g: New Features for Admin
17 Internet Safety
19 Windows XP Professional ET00219-N01
23 Basic Troubleshooting Windows OS ET00223-N01

March 2010
01 - 05 Network+ 2009 ET00301-N01
08 - 12 People Tools I Rel 8.50
22 - 24 Oracle Database 10g: Backup and Recovery
24 Fundamentals of DNS ET00324-N01

April 2010
29 - 02 Oracle Database 10g: Administration Workshop I
05 - 09 People Code Rel 8.48
19 - 23 Oracle Database 11g: Program with PL/SQL

To register for an ESC-20 course (Contains ET Workshop Number):
1) Access the URL http://www.esc20.net/ and click Workshops

To register for an Oracle workshop (No Workshop Number):
1) Access the URL http://training.consulting-fujitsu.com/classhtml/coursesbylocation_san%20antonio.asp

Grant Opportunities

2010-01-08T16:56:00.000-08:00

DEADLINE GRANTS
ING Unsung Heroes Award
Do you know a TEACHER with a creative, unique educational program that is helping students reach new heights? Or is there a program you'd like to implement, if only you had the proper funding? The ING Unsung Heroes program has helped more than a thousand K-12 educators and their schools fund innovative classroom projects.
Awards: $5K - $25K
Due: April 30, 2010

OPEN GRANTS
DIRECTV Goes to School
DIRECTV created the DIRECTV GOES TO SCHOOL program, which offers educators an opportunity to teach auditorily, kinesthetically and visually. The programming package, called SCHOOL CHOICE (R), is FREE and available to state-accredited public and private schools, grades K-12. Installation is are school's expense.

Kingston Technology, Inc.
Kingston Technology offers various forms of contribution to the community. These contributions are directed at innovative programs to promote education, technology and support the well being of citizens.

RGK Foundation
RGK Foundation awards grants in the broad areas of Education, Community and Medicine/Health. The foundation's primary interests within education include programs that focus on formal K-12 education (particularly mathematics, science and reading), integrating technology into curriculum, teacher development, literacy and higher education.

Xerox Free Color Printers Program
Xerox is donating free color printers to small businesses and nonprofits including schools, community groups and more. Successful applicants will receive a high performance Xerox color printer, free delivery, 3 year service agreement, e-mail and telephone support and access to members only website. Recipients are obligated to purchase ink and supplies exclusively from FreeColorPrinters.com. Participants may opt out at any time.

Project Share Launched by Texas Education Agency (TEA)

2010-01-06T21:20:00.000-08:00

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) is proud to announce a new initiative that will explore the development and delivery of high quality professional development in an interactive and engaging learning environment. Project Share will utilize a single online platform to leverage existing and new professional development resources for teachers across the state and build professional learning communities where educators can collaborate, share, and tailor professional development to meet individual needs.

Project Share is a partnership between TEA, Epsilen, and The New York Times Knowledge Network. This initiative will provide for online content delivery through teaching, collaborating and networking. For more information and to view a demo of the Epsilen system, see http://tea.epsilen.com/Public/Home.aspx.