Journal #6

More Than Money Matters: Establishing Effective School-Corporate Partnerships – Nancy Flynn, Learning and Leading with Technology, November 2007, Pages 18-21.

This article focuses on the points that need to be considered for good relationships between schools and corporations, beyond the monetary aspects. These relationships are becoming more critical as school funding overall has dropped. As schools have become more and more under funded, and technology pricing has gone up. In order for students to be ready for the future we need to try and provide them with the skills needed to achieve in high technology environments. This in itself has determined the need for partnerships with corporations. Once you get past the gains/losses on both sides of the issue, i.e.: corporate financial gain, advertising, marketing and promotion, latest hardware and software, etc. What should principals be looking for in these partnerships? What cautions and concerns should be passed onto other principals? The author, after interviewing nine principals across the U.S., determined the following Ten Guidelines.
1) Vision – What do you expect? A plan needs to be developed by both parties, so that there is no miscommunication of goals.
2) Support for technology – Ensure support of software/hardware by both parties.
3) School curriculum – Does the software/hardware fit the school curriculum? An honest assessment of needs has to be determined so no time, energy or resource is wasted.
4) Collaboration and Communication – Identify key contact people on both sides of the collaboration.
5) Internal Capacity – Is the internal support available to mind the software/ hardware.
6) Commitment – Ensure that the level of commitment is available by both parties.
7) Obligations – Make sure expectations are clear for both sides of the partnership. Perhaps getting expectations in writing to insure no misunderstandings.
8) Product Promotion – Determine the levels that qualify in the partnership, so as not to slide into commercialism.
9) Assessment – Determine strengths and weaknesses and the longevity of the partnership.
10) Longevity – Is it working or has the partnership or software run its course? Evaluate the worth on an annual basis.

The author feels there will be a continual need for technology partnerships if we are to keep our students trained for the future.

1) Are the outlined criteria enough? I think the authors criteria are well rounded and well thought out. I would also stress that a user needs to always keep and eye open for hidden agendas, but all in all the criteria are sound steps for considering a technology partnership.

2) How do you determine line between presentation and product promotion? There is a very fine line between presentation and product promotion. This issue is one that will have to be determined on a case by case analysis. I think the authors’ example of students giving a presentation at a conference with a company’s software is cutting the issue very closely, but it is a great opportunity for the students involved. Experiences like this are hard to call, but there should be a way for the students to gain experience from this event, without compromising them.