STRATEGIC PLANNING PROCESS OVERVIEW AND DEFINITIONS
What is Strategic Planning?
Strategic planning is an organizational management activity used to set priorities, focus energy and resources, strengthen operations, and ensure that employees, board members, and stakeholders work toward common goals. It is an effort that will guide fundamental decisions and actions to shape the future of your school district.
What is a Strategic Plan?
A strategic plan is a document used to communicate the organization's goals, the priorities needed to achieve those goals, and metrics used to measure progress on those goals. It includes both the academic and operational aspects of the school district.
Strategic plans are aligned with the Board's governing policies. Through these policies, the Board sets the directive; however, the Superintendent ensures a process is put in place to develop and implement a strategic plan.
What is a Planning Committee?
The planning committee is the first stage of the strategic planning process. The planning committee consists of several Brown Deer stakeholders. This group will be integral in creating belief and mission statements, as well as the objectives and strategies to accomplish the mission statement.
SWOT Analysis
In addition to reviewing these documents, the strategic planning committee will engage in a SWOT Analysis activity. A SWOT Analysis is a process where both internal and external factors that impact the effectiveness of a school district/organization are examined. Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats analysis (SWOT Analysis) can assist in identifying these factors. A definition of the SWOT Analysis activity can be found below.
Strengths
Strengths are internal factors representing what your organization/school district does well. Strengths are factors you have complete control over and may include: programs, facilities, equipment resources, skilled employees, location, etc.
Weaknesses
Weaknesses are internal factors that hinder your progress. They inhibit your district/organization from functioning effectively. Identifying weaknesses highlights areas where improvements can be made.
Opportunities
Opportunities are external factors that, when considered, could help your school district/organization enhance overall effectiveness. The school district/organization can proactively communicate and collaborate with external resources by identifying possible external opportunities.
Threats
Threats are external factors that can negatively impact your school district or organization. These external factors may include economic markets, funding, lack of resources, human resource shortages, etc.
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