Why a Strategic Plan?

COVID 19 caused one of the biggest disruptions in society in decades.   This is especially true for education.   Students, teachers and administrators were challenged as they quickly adjusted to new ways of teaching and learning.  While distance learning worked for some, it certainly did not for countless others.  Many disparities were exposed in regard to access and use of technology.  Other students lost the critical support systems they need to succeed.  Nobody planned for such a big disruption and most schools were left chasing for solutions rather than having planned them.  Now as schools return to "normal" we must face the question 'what will that be'?  Where were we deficient and what did we learn?  How can we be better prepared as we move forward? 

 

Social justice issues and other disparities were also exposed with the death of George Floyd.  How will schools effectively address these disparities in their culture and curriculum?  Does your school have a well developed plan to address these inequalities?   

 

While many of the abrupt changes were extremely challenging, a great deal was also learned and should not be forgotten.  How will your school use this and come back better than ever?  A well developed strategic plan is one of the best tools a school can use to plan for a future of excellence.  It gives clarity, unity, purpose, and direction to a school as it seeks to fulfill its vision and mission.  It saves time and cost when there is community buy in, and well informed decisions are made.  Finally, a strategic plan builds and strengthens a school community by embracing the idea that the best decisions are made when input from a wide variety of stake holders and  the collective knowledge of the school community are taken into consideration.

 

Chris Brown, Director of Beyond the Walls Education has a long history with schools and Strategic Planning. He has helped start three schools and led the development for the long term strategic plan for all three.  As a teacher and administrator, a Bush Educator, and a Professor at Augsburg University, he has helped many schools and districts create comprehensive Strategic Plans.  St. Pauls' Central High School, Robbinsdale School District, Augsburg Fairview Academy, and Lincoln International School are just a few of the schools Chris has worked with over the years.

 

 

 How Does it Work?

Beyond the Walls Education (BWE) will guide your school as it continues on a path to excellence.  We help you develop a strategic plan based on your vision, mission and the needs and priorities of your school by addressing  six key areas :

• Academics and Curriculum - student achievement, student engagement, equity, inclusion,  literacy, numeracy, inquiry, assessment strategies, integrating technology, curricular approach, standards alignment, resources, 
• Facility/ Materials/Finances - building and classroom use, location,  building health, classroom equipment and materials, financial health, budget management, external resources and grants
• Human Resources - teacher/staff hiring priorities, retention, professional development, compensation, human resources policies
• Social/Emotional  Well Being - mental health, student and family support systems, student relations, student / teacher relations,  behavior management, 
• Engagement - School and community relations, parent involvement, site council/school board development, volunteers, higher education relationships
• Technology - Computer hardware and software needs, network infrastructure, student hardware/device management, teacher/staff training, communication, website development and management. 

 

Upon completion of the Strategic Planning process,  the school receives a three or five year plan centered on the needs, values and ideals of the school community / stakeholders.  The plan is divided into the above  focus areas and the priorities within.  Each focus area begins with a goal, followed by  objectives, strategies, actions, and target needed to achieve the goals.  The plan also includes measurement rubrics of achievement or completion checkpoints, and includes the position(s) responsible for achieving the goal. The final plan is accompanied by a Power Point presentation.