Educational Media Reviews Online

Corporations in the Classroom provides a lively but biased look at intrusion of corporate marketing into American and Canadian schools. As school funding goes down and unfunded mandated educational programs are added, schools everywhere are trying to find ways to make ends meet. In the past 20 years, corporations have been funding schools in return for an opportunity to place advertising within the school. Focusing on K-12 public schools in Oregon, Massachusetts, Quebec and British Columbia, there are interviews with teachers and administrators, parents and activists, rank and file employees and CEOs. On the one hand, teachers and administrators justify allowing corporations into the classroom because of the additional revenue that it provides. Revenue that often allows a school to add, upgrade or replace necessary equipment that would otherwise not happen on the existing budget. Parents and activists are incensed that these corporations now have a captive audience, and not only a captive audience, but one that does not have the social and mental development to discern the value of the products being marketed. Corporate requirements for funding the schools range from the low key—plaques on the wall, to required participation—watching or listening to advertising media. Businesses that are included in this documentary include Home Depot, Channel One, Bus Radio, McDonalds and local banks.

This is an excellent dvd to show in business and education classes. It will provoke discussion of the existing educational systems and the way they are funded as well as the ethics of marketing to children.