April 2009
Market Insight
A Guide to the Education Industry for Business Radio Two-Way Retailers Answering the call for critical solutions Educational organizations across the country must meet a wide range of needs for students. However, many of these institutions face limited, even decreased, funding. Now more than ever, Motorola business two-way radios can provide an economical solution to schools that must balance cost efficiency with reliability as they seek to enhance security, employee productivity and the core mission of teaching students.
DidYouKnow?
According to an assessment by the New York State Education Department, the five most prevalent security measures used by schools are as follows: 1. Visitor sign-in requirements 2. Controlled access to buildings 3. Use of two-way radios 4. Telephones in classrooms 5. Closed campus for lunch
Communication at the root of security
It’s in the headlines nearly every day—the nation’s K–12 schools and colleges often face threats to the security of their students. Furthermore, the parents who send their children to these places of learning demand safety. Schools that emphasize security are more likely to achieve a better learning environment, and may find greater success at attracting and retaining students. Communication is a key pillar of school safety. According to the White House Conference on School Safety, emergency planning—including the establishment of a school communication plan—is vital to building security. Furthermore, the use of two-way radios is an important aspect of the communication plan. In fact, school safety consultant Robert Jonaitis advises that schools should “Equip administrators with two-way radios.” Two-way radios can boost school and campus security when: • Teachers and security guards can report inci- dents at school assemblies or other large gath- erings, such as sporting events. • School crossing-guards can communicate traf- fic issues that threaten students. • Teachers on bus duty (pick-up and drop-off) can share information with bus drivers. • Cafeteria and hall monitors can report incidents to the school office. • Maintenance staff and custodians can respond to repair and clean-up calls. • Coaches can report injuries from the practice fields. • Teachers in the classroom can quickly contact school security officers.
Opportunity alert While the use of two-way radios as a safety measure is highly recommended by school safety experts, 30% of public schools in the United States do not deploy radios. Sources: National Center for Education Statistics, 2007
Facts about education The education industry consists of public or private schools and colleges that provide coursework instruction for students ranging from preschool to post graduation. • There are approximately 13,800 public school districts operating in the United States. • The majority of school districts (55%) are in rural areas. • There are approximately 131,000 elementary and secondary schools in the United States. • Nearly 75% of elementary and secondary schools are public schools. • There are approximately 6,400 degree-granting postsecondary institutions (trade schools, junior colleges, four-year colleges) in the United States. Source: National Center for Education Statistics, 2007
Opportunities
According to the American Association of School Administrators, schools across the nation are facing serious financial obstacles with the majority of K–12 superintendents reporting their districts to be “inadequately funded.” Despite this sobering news, 74% of educational entities plan to maintain or increase technology buying activity in 2009, down from 86% in 2008 projections. Source: Onvia Government Market Outlook 2009
Source: White House Conference on School Safety, “Making Our Schools Safer,” 2006; National Association of Independent Schools
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