What are the key components and indicators of a SMART strategic plan for education?

2 Goals and objectives

Your goals and objectives are the specific and measurable outcomes that you want to achieve within a certain timeframe. They should be derived from your vision and mission and reflect your priorities and values. Your goals and objectives should be SMART, which means they should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. A SMART goal or objective should answer the questions: What do we want to accomplish? How will we measure our progress? Is it realistic and attainable? How does it relate to our vision and mission? When will we achieve it?

3 Strategies and actions

Your strategies should be based on your strengths, opportunities, challenges, and resources. A SMART strategy or action can answer the questions: How will we achieve our goal or objective? Why is it important and relevant? What are the specific tasks and responsibilities involved? What are the expected outcomes and benefits? How will we monitor and evaluate our performance?

4 Stakeholders and partners

Your stakeholders and partners are the people and organizations that have an interest or influence in your educational organization. They include your internal and external audiences, such as staff, students, parents, board members, funders, regulators, collaborators, and competitors. A SMART stakeholder or partner should contribute to your vision and mission, be communicative and share accountability and responsibility.

5 Resources and budget

Your resources and budget are the assets and costs that you need to implement your strategic plan, which include your human, financial, physical, and technological resources, as well as your income and expenses. Your resources and budget should be SMART, which means they should be Sufficient, Manageable, Allocated, Realistic, and Transparent. A SMART budget will outline how much you have to execute your strategic plan, how to manage and optimize your resources and how to report and disclose your financial information.

6 Evaluation and improvement

Your evaluation and improvement are the processes and tools that you use to assess and enhance your strategic plan. They include your indicators, data, feedback, and learning, and can help you reflect and learn from your successes and failures.