The Importance of Strategic Planning in New Jersey Schools
Why Strategic Planning Matters
New Jersey is often celebrated as a leader in public education, with high levels of funding and a reputation for strong schools. But a closer look reveals a troubling reality: far too many students are falling short in literacy and numeracy. Reversing this trend requires a coordinated effort, and one of the most powerful tools districts have at their disposal is a strategic plan.
A well-crafted strategic plan is more than a compliance exercise. It’s a public blueprint that guides district priorities, aligns resources, and sets measurable goals—particularly in reading and math. Strategic plans can help communities understand where their schools are headed, how success will be measured, and what steps will be taken to get there.
Unfortunately, NJPI’s research shows that while many districts embrace the idea of planning, few are using their plans to drive measurable academic improvement. Too often, plans lack clear goals, actionable strategies, and transparent reporting. That’s a missed opportunity for both students and communities.
What NJPI Found
NJPI reviewed 50 publicly available district strategic plans from across New Jersey. The findings reveal that:
The majority of plans did not explicitly name math and literacy as central goals.
Few included SMART goals—specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.
Even fewer broke goals down by grade, school, or student subgroup.
Most lacked clear strategies for implementation or public accountability.
While these results are concerning, it is noteworthy that the districts included in the review at least took the important step of making their plans public. Their transparency is commendable, and it provides a foundation for improvement.
Read NJPI’s Report
The path forward is clear: every New Jersey district should adopt a strong, academically focused, public-facing strategic plan. Doing so won’t solve every challenge, but it is a critical, achievable first step toward ensuring every student can read and do math at grade level. Read the report here or download below.
