What is a primary function of strategic planning in educational leadership?

A primary function of strategic planning in educational leadership is that it provides a framework for decision-making. This framework is crucial because it helps educational leaders define their vision, set goals, and determine the steps needed to achieve those goals. By aligning resources, efforts, and initiatives with the overall mission, strategic planning allows leaders to make informed choices that best serve the institution's objectives and community needs. This comprehensive approach ensures that all decisions contribute to the advancement of educational outcomes and the school's overarching mission.

In contrast, determining staff salaries and bonuses, creating disciplinary measures, and focusing exclusively on student assessment are all important functions within an educational setting. However, these tasks are often more specific and tactical in nature. They usually fall under operational planning rather than the broader, long-term vision central to strategic planning. Strategic planning encompasses a wider range of considerations, making it foundational to effective educational leadership.