Scenario planning is a tool which can help organisations and people to think about, and plan for, the long-term future. In basic terms, it involves creating a number of in-depth scenarios (stories), each of which tells of a different possible future for an organisation or issue, and considering how each different future might influence…

This guide for individuals or groups charged with designing and implementing a planning process for a college or university begins by describing certain characteristics and components of planning that the planner must understand and by recommending that new planners avoid some actions until they have analyzed the situation and determined what…

This document describes ways to facilitate reflection and planning in challenging areas of school reform. It outlines a process, "image-making," that is based on research conducted with high-poverty schools that made substantial reforms over time. Image-making helps initiate thoughtful dialogue among adults in the school community by using…

Instead of occurring in a vacuum, educational planning should use strategic, priority-driven approach that articulates the interactions between the community and the schools. Such planning requires understanding of the community context and goals and values for public schools. This working paper attempts to apply urban planning methods to…

This long-range program, prepared as required by and in support of the Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA), is intended to meet federal funding priorities and support the continuation of programs that have operated successfully in Massachusetts over the last decade. The purpose and background of the program are summarized, and the…

This guide is designed to help school districts develop a consolidated plan for programs and resources. It outlines the importance of generating a consolidated plan to reduce duplication, identify children's needs, and coordinate funds from various programs. Consisting of 10 modules, the guide addresses all components of the planning process and…

Seven pitfalls of transition planning for students with disabilities are identified: (1) planning at an inappropriate level; (2) confusing means with ends; (3) failing to involve all relevant educational partners; (4) selecting programs before identifying goals; (5) failing to consider future community realities; (6) being unaware of the process…

Through rapid expansion, some city universities have run out of land. This forces a new approach to campus master planning involving collaboration with the city owning adjacent land. This approach is more politically charged, requires different planning skills, and usually requires consultants. San Jose State University (California) is an example.…

The importance of academic program review as the first step in the development of an institutional master plan is emphasized, and the benefits of developing an academic, data-based master plan are identified. The case of Sam Houston State University is used to illustrate the issues. Background information on the institutional milieu and the…

This document describes a two-step process that Austin Community College (ACC) (Texas) used to develop its 1999-2004 strategic guidelines. The first step involved guiding college task forces, programs, support areas, and committees through the process of reviewing college-wide strategic priorities; identifying those priorities to which each area…

This report describes how schools can draw on multiple voices to create a comprehensive portrait of important events in a school's history. In this "mapping" process, participants create a map that portrays the collective history of the school, facilitating an increased awareness of past actions and their connection to current conditions.…

College and university administrators are encouraged to preserve open space as an essential campus asset, using thoughtful planning and pursuit of a master plan that includes strategies to preserve open space in the face of powerful pressures for expansion and new facilities. Illustrations are offered from a number of campuses. (Author/MSE)

Reports the development by the Public Library Association of a planning manual, "A Planning Process for Public Libraries." The manual outlines an efficient seven-step planning process that will enable planning committees to avoid time-consuming procedural investigations and concentrate on critical analysis and recommendations for change.…

Strategic planning, which requires careful assessment of future trends and ways of improving current practice, is an essential responsibility for all school managers. The Teacher Training Agency in the United Kingdom has made it a compulsory element of the new National Professional Qualification for the headship. This book sets out broad…

Strategic planning provides a comprehensive, systematic, and flexible approach to charting direction. Lists an eight-step process and questions for strategic planning. Emphasizes the role of architects in strategic planning. (five references) (MLF)