A Critical Review of Strategic Planning: Panacea for Public Education?

Abstract

Many states, accrediting agencies, and the Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium have policies and standards mandating strategic planning for public schools. Planning in schools has become synonymous with strategic planning. However, alternative approaches to change exist that offer more effective solutions to school improvement. School processes are significantly different from those in the business environment from which strategic planning evolved. The coalescence of policy around a single planning form may not be in public education's best interests. This article explores the limitations of the strategic model and the potential contributions of other planning models and lessons from contemporary “best practice.”