Reference Charts and Diagrams

The 21st century education reform movement going on in the United States and around the world is happening at a rapid pace.  According to proponents, ubiquitous wireless infrastructure in schools is considered essential to meeting the goals of 21st century education reform. 

NACST's report entitled, The Anatomy of 21st Century Education Reform, Part I, examines the history of the E-rate Program and the National Education Technology Funding Corporation (NETFC).  It sets the stage for readers to better understand what the modernization of E-rate and 21st century education reform represent in a broader sense. 

​​Universal Service Fund Money Cycle

Diagram - FCC / NECA / USAC

Other Government Reports

United States Government Accountability Office (GAO) Reports 1998 - 2014

The Anatomy of 21st Century Education Reform, Part I

(Click on titles to view full size images.)

To read the full report, click on the image.    

Overview of Key Organizations

E-rate Discount Program Matrix

Key Highlights

 

• E-rate is known as a “poverty based” program.  Schools with the greatest need qualify for discounts up to 90%.  Companies receive full business rates for their products and services purchased by schools and libraries through the E-rate Program.
  

• The Schools and Libraries Program, also known as E-rate, has been plagued with chronic waste, fraud and abuse since the inception of the program.  The findings from numerous government investigations over 2 decades have been largely ignored.  Oversight of the E-rate Program has not been adequately funded.
  

• Customers pay for the E-rate Program through an ever increasing hidden tax on their monthly phone bills, which they are required to pay. 
  

• 21st century education reform, according to government officials and corporate leaders, is essential in order to prepare our children for the emerging global economy.
  

• Public-private-partnerships are the cornerstone of 21st century education reform.  Authorized through the Telecommunications Act of 1996, public-private-partnerships compromise the integrity of our federal, state and local governments.  They divert tax dollars and other resources to support corporations instead of public education for which they were intended.