Source: Bantilan, J. C., Deguito, P. O., Otero, A. S., Regidor, A. R., & Junsay, M. D. (2023). Strategic planning in education: A systematic review. Asian Journal of Education and Social Studies, 45(1), 40–54. https
LEARN Brief Credit: Dr. Chris Ballow, Dr. Jeannie Haubert
Overview:
The article, “Strategic Planning in Education: A Systematic Review,” examines literature from 2020–2022 to identify the challenges, processes, and impacts of strategic planning in K-12 and higher education. The review highlights three primary challenges: a lack of knowledge and skills among school leaders, improper conduct—often treating planning as a mere compliance exercise—and low stakeholder involvement due to complex language or lack of interest.
Key Insights
- Shift from compliance to strategy
Treat strategic planning as an active management tool—not a bureaucratic requirement.
- Invest in targeted professional development
Provide ongoing training for leaders and staff in strategic planning, data use, and implementation methods.
- Build data and tool mastery
Equip teams to gather, analyze, and apply data effectively, including root cause analysis and risk assessment.
- Simplify communication
Use clear, accessible language so all stakeholders understand the plan and their role in it.
- Strengthen stakeholder ownership
Engage staff and community members meaningfully, clarify roles, and create collaborative spaces for input and decision-making.
- Align plans with reality
Ensure strategies are grounded in actual resources, budgets, and environmental conditions.
- Link planning directly to budgeting
Coordinate every goal with available financial and physical resources to support execution.
- Embed continuous monitoring
Treat the plan as a living document—regularly track progress and use it to guide daily decisions and policies.
Action Step:
A Basic Framework for a School District Strategic Planning Process
Full Study:
https://www.academia.edu/104863548/Strategic_Planning_in_Education_A_Systematic_Review
