This chapter should be read in conjunction with the information found in Chapter Ten, Political Advocacy and Activism at the Local, State, and National Levels. It may not seem that public relations and marketing of a special education program is necessary, but in this time of scare resources for education and close public scrutiny, it is very important for a special education administrator to be advocates for the public education system which provides education for all students, including the entire continuum of students with disabilities.
Introduction
If special education programs are going to thrive in today’s society, schools must respond to a new operating environment. Too often a marketing focus is placed on communication tips and techniques, …show more content…
Due to the changing competitive landscape in education, it becomes vital to understand how families select schools for their children. No longer does the process simply entail enrolling the child in the closest school and hope all goes well. Families today are shopping for programs in a manner similar to the way they research a new appliance or automobile prior to purchase. Unfortunately, many public schools are unprepared to assist families in this decision-making process. Public schools have a tremendous opportunity before them. However, it will require them to become aware of the changing dynamics of education, understand the importance of sharing what they do, and work, to develop a comprehensive and coherent strategy for successfully marketing their …show more content…
For many educators, discussing special education as a product and the landscape of public education as a marketplace is an ideological shift. The marketing of special education should not be viewed in a negative light, nor should it contradict the overall mission of public education. A more specific understanding of the role marketing plays in special education is a vital next step for special educators in their pursuit of innovation and evolution. To move forward, special education administrators must embrace a proactive role in deliberately sharing the importance of what is provided to students and communities. As public schools find themselves yet again facing the expectations of an evolving society, it is important to recognize it is not the only profession that has needed to embrace marketing as a means to
Introduction
If special education programs are going to thrive in today’s society, schools must respond to a new operating environment. Too often a marketing focus is placed on communication tips and techniques, …show more content…
Due to the changing competitive landscape in education, it becomes vital to understand how families select schools for their children. No longer does the process simply entail enrolling the child in the closest school and hope all goes well. Families today are shopping for programs in a manner similar to the way they research a new appliance or automobile prior to purchase. Unfortunately, many public schools are unprepared to assist families in this decision-making process. Public schools have a tremendous opportunity before them. However, it will require them to become aware of the changing dynamics of education, understand the importance of sharing what they do, and work, to develop a comprehensive and coherent strategy for successfully marketing their …show more content…
For many educators, discussing special education as a product and the landscape of public education as a marketplace is an ideological shift. The marketing of special education should not be viewed in a negative light, nor should it contradict the overall mission of public education. A more specific understanding of the role marketing plays in special education is a vital next step for special educators in their pursuit of innovation and evolution. To move forward, special education administrators must embrace a proactive role in deliberately sharing the importance of what is provided to students and communities. As public schools find themselves yet again facing the expectations of an evolving society, it is important to recognize it is not the only profession that has needed to embrace marketing as a means to