This pamphlet is also available in PDF format 
Background
For many years schools have chosen to develop partnerships with local businesses. These partnerships have proved beneficial because they allow business and teachers to work together to improve student learning. However, some partnerships with corporations have less to do with student learning and more to do with marketing.
Government cuts to education have forced schools and jurisdictions to seek funding from alternative sources. Corporations have quite willingly stepped in to supply this funding in exchange for opportunities to promote and sell their products or services. Most commonly, this involves corporate sponsorship of a variety of activities that provide cash to schools in return for permission to advertise.
Beliefs
Supporters of business involvement in schools believe that
- bringing advertising and promotional campaigns to schools is harmless because students are constantly exposed to advertising anyway,
- raising funds through corporate sponsorship can help enhance teaching and learning, and
- involving business in schools strengthens the relationship between those schools and the larger community.
Considerations
Those concerned about business involvement believe that
- students in schools are a captive audience and should not be subjected to advertising and corporate promotion programs,
- some of the products promoted in schools do not contribute to a healthy lifestyle, and
- dependence on corporate support undermines the independence of schools and allows government to evade its responsibility to appropriately fund public education.
A Closer Look
Some businesses see supporting schooling as part of their commitment to the community in which they operate. Others see long-term benefits in placing products in schools and creating brand awareness among students. Still others seek to sell their services and products directly in, to or through schools.
When entering into a business partnership or deciding to contract out services, schools should note the following:
- Partners' expectations must be clearly defined at the outset.
- The goals of public education must not be compromised.
- Teacher and student participation must be voluntary.
- The partnership must not exploit students or their families.
- Business partners must not promote specific products to students, determine curricula or influence education policies.
Schools exist to educate children, not to provide business with captive customers.
Further Reading
Robertson, H.-j. No More Teachers, No More Books: The Commercialization of Canada's Schools. Toronto: McClelland & Stewart, 1998.
Molnar, A. Corporate Involvement in Schools: Time for a More Critical Look. Tempe, Ariz.: The National Association of State Boards of Education, Commercialism in Education Research Unit, 2001.
British Columbia Teachers' Federation. "Highlights of BCTF Survey: Corporate Involvement in Schools." Spring, 2000. Available at www.bctf.bc.ca/Education/ci.
For more information call the Alberta Teachers' Association at (780) 447-9400 in Edmonton, 1-800-232-7208 elsewhere in Alberta.
In Alberta public education refers to both public and separate schools.
