Education Minister Julia Gillard says big business could provide a source of funding for Australian schools.

She’s just returned from the U.S and has told Fairfax that in her view, “there is certainly an opportunity for corporate Australia to play a role in the education of our young people.”

What do you think? Should Australian business play a greater role in contributing to education in Australia? Is it a good idea for corporations to give more to the country’s educational institutions?

Some teachers are alarmed it could mean less public funding.

Others are concerned it could lead to companies promoting their own interests in schools.

Is it a good idea or not for Australia to adopt American style corporate philanthropy for schools?