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By: Karen Billings

1/1/2009

Given the cutbacks, target customers in states with no budget shortfalls and work with them to make best use of their limited budgets. Also look for opportunities to help schools focus on ways to deliver classes more cost-effectively and use technology to improve efficiency with virtual courses or online tutoring programs. We will continue to see growth in non- English speakers in schools, creating a need for more English language learning (ELL) products and services. Finally, many states are forecasting dire teacher shortages, particularly in mathematics, science, ELL, and special education, so let your customers know about solutions you have that support their recruitment and professional development efforts.

Implications for Sales - Long Term

When the nation’s economy is back on track, and the focus returns to education, fully funding NCLB could significantly expand the pool for education programs and services. Obama’s education platform listed a number of new programs he would fund: early childhood education, including Head Start and federallyfunded child care; science and mathematics education; dropout prevention at the middle school level; expanded after-school, summer, and college-outreach opportunities; teacher preparation and training. All represent potential increases in education- sales opportunities.


Karen Billings is the Vice President of Education for the Software & Information Industry Assocation (SIIA), where she drives the organization's work with its 150 member companies for whom educational publishing is a primary business.