A Nexus Between Strategic Planning and School Improvement Planning

Boards and school leaders often carry out two disconnected and sometimes unaligned planning processes – Long range strategic planning and school improvement planning. These processes are often independent and distinct by design and frequently are fragmented even when there is interest in bringing them into alignment in a dynamic relationship. This is due primarily to a lack of knowledge or experience with a proven model for coordinating planning.

We experienced a breakthrough in this dilemma as we developed a model for systemwide strategic planning for The Dewey Schools, in Vietnam, during the 2022-23 school year. Perhaps our successful experience will motivate others to embrace and benefit from a purposeful nexus between strategic and improvement planning.

​We began the project by aligning on a model we developed based on the “Strategic and Operational Planning Model” offered by Collins and Porras in Built to Last (1994). We processed with stakeholders the school system’s “Core Ideology” (i.e., core purpose and values). We developed together a “Strategic Vision” to drive planning and advance the attainment of the school system’s visionary purpose. This step led to internal and external environmental scans, including but not limited to feedback received through accreditation. This feedback led to identifying and articulating strategic goals using a unique framework. This framework included the high-level strategic goals (Level One), supported by development and improvement goals (Level Two). In this way, the strategic initiatives will include development and improvement initiatives that jointly and purposefully contribute to attaining high-level strategic goals.

For more information or to provide feedback, please contact me at [email protected].

By Dr. David Wells