All Australian students should have the opportunity to learn and develop to their full potential.
The Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO) has undertaken research to provide practical guidance for school leaders to improve student learning outcomes through effective school strategic plans.
Research suggests that simply having a school strategic plan isn’t enough – the quality of these plans is positively associated with student performance and achievement.
AERO conducted a literature review to understand the features of an effective school strategic plan. We then collaborated with Learning First to translate the findings into a series of 4 practice guides that step school leaders through the process of developing and applying effective strategic plans.
These guides were developed with input from school leaders, school system and sector officials, a principal peak body and a school strategic planning expert. AERO is grateful to everyone who dedicated their time to assist with the development of each guide.
strategic plan
Strategic plans are multi-year and/or annual plans produced through regular school review cycles. These plans communicate a school’s intentions for improvement.
school leaders
School leaders refers to the principal or a delegate of the principal – for example, the assistant or deputy principal.
These guides assume school leaders will be directing the strategic planning process, in collaboration with staff.
Setting goals and targets for student learning
Prioritising approaches to achieve each goal
Selecting practices to deliver improvement
Evaluating for continuous improvement
