The impact of globalization and multinational corporations on the secondary school system in Costa Rica and its implications for educational leaders

2014-04-03Multinational corporations (MNCs) such as Intel, Microsoft, and Cisco began investing in education in Costa Rica starting in 1994. The purpose of investment was to support and increase the number of knowledge‐based skilled citizens of Costa Rica who would later be able to enter the growing and knowledge‐based labor force required due to globalization. This new economic demand for Costa Rica has led to policy changes for the education system, including a change in the Costa Rican Constitution’s article for education that focuses on providing approximately 8% of its gross domestic product. The Ministry of Education has detailed this educational vision even further by developing a focus on a new set of 21st-century aims and objectives. ❧ The doctoral research team of 12, led by Dr. Michael F. Escalante, studied the impact of globalization and MNCs on the school system in Costa Rica and its implications on educational leaders. The data collection process for this qualitative case study included the use of various instruments such as surveys, observations, and interviews. The use of multiple sources allowed triangulation to occur and increased validity of the findings. Once data were analyzed, findings were reported and implications and recommendations provided to all stakeholders (i.e., MNCs, Ministry of Education, policymakers, school‐site leaders) in Costa Rica. ❧ The principal finding from the comprehensive analysis was that the partnership among Intel, policy leaders, and school sites has made a change in the education system to better prepare the students for a global society. These partnerships give Costa Rican students access to tools and opportunities that prepare them to be stronger, competitive, knowledge-ready workers. Although there is always room for growth when looking at access to resources, teacher training, leadership, and other areas, the vision established by these entities has proven to catalyze a positive change in the Costa Rican education system that embraces new knowledge ideas such as 21st‐century technical skills. With the continued support of the Ministry of Education, corporations such as Intel, and school‐site leaders, the hope is for further growth and an increase in opportunities for the students of Costa Rica