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Friday, August 24, 2012

Business and Schooling in Arlington (VA)–Part 2 | Larry Cuban on School Reform and Classroom Practice

Business and Schooling in Arlington (VA)–Part 2 | Larry Cuban on School Reform and Classroom Practice:


Business and Schooling in Arlington (VA)–Part 2

That big, middle-size, and small businesses were heavily involved in the Arlington public schools, an urban district across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. in the mid-1970s, was evident by the end of my first year as superintendent. The extent of business participation in Arlington differed little from that in other districts and mirrored arrangements made years before I was appointed.[i]
The Arlington School Board annually contracted for millions of dollars worth of items and services from local banks, food suppliers, and construction companies. From buying Worcestershire sauce to paying retainers to legal firms to using pest control companies, Arlington firms did business with the School Board daily.
Business leaders brought Junior Achievement programs into high schools annually. Local firms contracted with