When providers’ revenues depend on specific streams of government funding subject to political risk (witness the NCLB reauthorization debate), taking an expanded view of the market is akin to taking out insurance against business interruption.
Rather than a long essay, here are some current examples of requests for school improvement products, services and programs from states “non-education” agencies - hot-linked to their source. From K-12Leads and Youth Service Markets Report
School Management - Georgia Dept. of Juvenile Justice
• Middle Georgia Residential Treatment Program (develop and operate site for 30 male youth in wilderness or traditional setting providing education and treatment) Due October 11 (Aug 24)
School Management - Florida Department of Military Affairs
• About Face Charter School Due November 1 (Sep 28)
Day Care - Hawaii Department of Health Services
• Respite services to parents with children from birth to five years residing in high-stress, high-risk environments Due November 5 (Sep 26)
Special Needs - Alaska Department of Health and Social Services
• Individualized Behavioral Health Services w/Additions (for severely emotionally disturbed children under the age of 21) Due Open (Apr 9)
Curriculum and Instruction - California Conservation Corps
• Driver’s Education and Training Due October 12 (link)
Vocational Education - Indiana Department of Workforce Development
• Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program Services for Construction Trades Due October 30 (link)
Program Audit - Iowa Depatment of Human Services
• Independent Verification and Validation for the Healthy And Well Kids in Iowa (hawk-i) program Due October 30 (Sep 26)