It also instilled responsibility in the students to make sure that their portfolios were kept up to date with all their work and complete. In addition, parents confer with a teacher and call the office for an appointment during the teacher's conference period or at another mutually convenient time. The district does have a business advisory committee that meets quarterly to review the high school's technology program, and secondary students in the entrepreneurship program meet with the Kingsville Chamber of Commerce. However, other districts have strengthened their ties to the business community by meeting with their advisory council regularly to share information on critical issues facing the whole district, such as student achievement and workforce needs. In addition, partnering with businesses assists districts with in-kind donations, cash contributions, added mentors as well as volunteers.
Communication is essential to understanding, which in turn is essential to cooperation.
There are a number of organizations willing to fund projects for schools. Districts should actively pursue grants from organizations and encourage local businesses to become involved in the planning of school improvements for both campuses. The superintendent with assistance from the site-based decision making committee develops a plan to solicit more involvement with local businesses. January 2001 2. This recommendation can be implemented with existing resources.