SCHOOLS & PARTNERSHIPS
ARE THESE GOOD FOR SCHOOLS & BUSINESS - A Rant!
I'm reading an article in the ISTE "LEARNING & LEADING" Magazine on the subject. While I would agree on some of the points the author makes that schools can benefit from these relationships, as a small businessman I see a lot of problems. Let me explain from my perspective. School partnerships are more generally favorable to larger, well established firms with product recognition. For the small business this is definitely a issue! Larger businesses have the marketing resources that allow them to do these arrangements where it is generally more difficult for a small business.
Part of the problem is the expectations in a partnership. Like contracts, School partnerships are more likely to be situations where "goods" are rendered for "considerations given" rather than a more platonic relationship. The "goods" are generally free/discounted hardware/software/textbooks/other product by the partnering company and the school "considerations" are generally promotion of the companies product/product line in some way. We all know that word of mouth recommendations in the educational market is extremely desirable.
Don't get me wrong! I'm not against the concept in general, because I think if it is done right it can offer the many benefits the L&L Magazine article author proffers that aren't just a way to get around financial constraints. I just want a level playing field with the bigger companies. Competition is generally the accepted law of the land in government contracting (although this area too is filled with many documented abuses). One company should not have an advantage on another because they can donate more hardware, software or some other material service. Partnerships should be structured to promote learning in the schools with help in tutoring, technical assistance, or some other educational service without an expectation of an endorsement or goods transfer.
I suspect a lot of school administrators will disagree with me - but they aren't running a small business either! Let me know your thoughts.
