| The issue of this study was to determine what, if any, relationship exists between school and business partnership member perceptions regarding educational programs and practices. Exemplary school-business partnerships were identified by the Illinois State Board of Education and the Council on Business-Education Partnerships. For the purposes of this study, the partnership's level of involvement, specific impact on the educational system, community size and geographic location, and school-business characteristics were determined. School-business partnership concepts were grouped into five characteristics: student/learner outcomes, commitment and support of the school-community, technology as a resource to support student learning and operational efficiency, vision of the leadership, and student access to qualified effective school and business professionals. Demographic characteristics included gender, age, educational background, and partnership roles. Ex post facto methods were used and data were collected via surveys distributed to district and community participants from each exemplary partnership district. |
