JOURNAL 8 "More Than Money Matters"

"More Than Money Matters:
Establishing Effective School-Corporate Partnerships"
By Nancy Flynn
Learning & Leading
November 2007 Vol. 5 No.3

As I browsed through my first issue of Learning & Leading I came across an interesting titled article that read, More Than Money Matters: Establishing Effective School-Corporation Partnerships" written by Nancy FLynn. Now, there is a bit of personal irony here. Though I am still at the beginning stages of my technological growth I am constantly thinking about how many different ways I can include technology in some of my classroom exercises such as direct instruction, guided practice, independent practice, and or assessment. The first problem that I am always reminded of is what if the school is not equip with the necessary tools. Are there going to be enough computers? One thought has crossed my mind several times and that is to try and acquire the materials personally. I thought about putting together a presentation, in conjunction with the future school that I would be employed at, and acquiring donated funds throughout the community via large companies, small business willing to contribute to local classrooms. Again, these are just thoughts. This article brought up some very valid points that go beyond getting the needed money or materials to improve my classroom or an entire school.

The article focuses on partnerships that are created between a company that specializes in technology and a school. The obvious benefits are as follows. The schools receive the latest hardware and software and corporations benefit from increased profits through advertising, marketing, and promotion. Nancy Flynn spoke with nine principals who agreed that corporate partnerships were needed because of financial constraints schools are under. What concerns or cautions would these principals communicate to administrators when entering such a commitment? Using their responses Nancy generated ten guidelines to help administrators weigh the pros and cons to such commitment and think critically about all that is included in a school-corporate partnership involving technology. The first is to have a vision. The development of a clear goal of what is to be accomplished through this partnership. Do not just jump into something because there are free resources. The second is to make sure the school has the tech support needed for staff development and training, as well as, support to sustain the hardware and software. Next, is to ensure that the curricular goals of the participating school is aligned with that is acquired. Fourth, be sure that there a leaders represented by both partners to ensure constant communication and collaboration. The sixth and seventh guidelines can be stated together as capacity and commitment. Internal capacity is a key to having during this partnership. Support that can be provided by the company involved and not an outside source can avoid long delays with difficulties that are occurring. This develops a strong commitment between the company and school. There are obligations to the partnership. Principals or administrators need to be aware of any expectations the company has of the school and have them in writing. Decide in advance issues regarding product promotion and how it will be appropriately conducted and at what level. The ninth guideline is assessment. Determine strengths, weaknesses, and a direction that will be taken in the future. Lastly, is longevity. Define how long the partnership should last that includes benefits and costs of both parties.

Wow, that is a lot of homework!!!

Question: Why are the guidelines important to success in such partnership?

Answer: The answer is simple, what good does technology serve if you do not have resources to use them effectively.

Question: Other than increased sale, marketing, and promotion what does the company stand to gain by such an expensive investment?

Answer: Being that the company is investing a tremendous amount of time, money, and resources added to the fact that the district may need this partnership more than the company it is possible for the company to have more influence in curricular and materials to which students are exposed.