ISS’s Strategic Planning Model: The Secret Method Transforming Schools
- Adam Slaton
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
By Greg Smith, ISS Vice President of ISS Asia, and Glenn Odland, ISS Senior Leadership Executive
Ever wonder why some schools seem to skyrocket while others struggle? ISS OPtimize Strategic Planning model, crafted by ISS VPs Dr. Tom Hawkins and Greg Smith, is a behind-the-scenes game-changer for schools around the world. Profiled at the 2024 EARCOS Leadership Conference, this model has already shown how it’s shaping schools’ futures with its blend of tried-and-true theory and practical, real-world know-how.
Real Client Feedback:
“The ISS consultants recognized and respected the foundations on which our school was built, ensuring that our traditions, culture and core values remained intact. However, they also challenged us to think critically and creatively, encouraging us to envision a bold and transformative future for our institution. This delicate balance between honoring the past and embracing the future was expertly navigated, resulting in a Strategic Plan that honors our school’s legacy while driving us towards excellence.”
- Blair Lee, Ed.D., Head of School (Principal) Branksome Hall Asia
Explore the five-stage process supporting international schools with actionable, sustainable strategic plans for success.
Stage 1: Background and Provocation – The Deep Dive and Analytics
ISS consultants roll up their sleeves and dive into the school’s documents, external data, and benchmarking studies. Then, they hit the ground running: on-site focus groups, classroom drop-ins, and one-on-one chats with stakeholders bring the school’s strengths and challenges to light.
It’s not all numbers and reports. They add a dose of provocation, sparking stakeholders to dream big about what their school could become. This is where the magic of engagement starts, and every school has its own “aha” moment.
Stage 2: Situational Analysis – A Hard Look in the Mirror
With all that intel in hand, ISS and the school’s hand-picked Core Team (representing the Board/Ownership, leadership, staff, students, parents, and community) get down to the details. Together, they break down strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in a classic SWOT analysis. This is the make-or-break foundation, setting the strategic direction in motion with clarity and confidence.
Stage 3: Planning Session – Mapping Out Success
In a professionally facilitated retreat, the Core Team zeroes in on three to five Strategic Imperatives, those critical areas of development requiring resources and strategy to achieve. These aren’t just any goals; they’re finely tuned to align with the school’s mission, vision, and values. With initial approval from the board, the action planning teams are ready to get to work.
Stage 4: Implementation – Champions Take the Lead
Here’s where the heavy lifting starts. The school appoints Action Plan Champions who lead task forces dedicated to each imperative. These Champions set out the “how” and “when,” establishing short, sharp, focused Action Plans that keep teams fired up and the school focused on the goals of the strategic imperatives.
ISS provides templates and support along the way, with the Board providing the approval and funding to ensure plans can move forward.
Stage 5: Evaluation and Realignment – Fine-Tuning the Future
Once the ball is rolling, the Steering Committee steps in to keep it on track. Regular checks — initially monthly, then quarterly — ensure that each action plan is delivering. Annual reviews keep everyone apprised of progress, with adjustments made as necessary. It’s all about staying nimble, smart, and on course for success.
Why the ISS Strategic Planning Model Works
This model uniquely combines of expert guidance and hands-on school ownership. ISS empowers school leaders to take the reins, making this plan truly "owned” while staying in sync with global educational trends.
The flexibility of the model allows each school to implement it according to its unique culture, while accountability ensures no action plan gets lost or overlooked.
This model isn’t just about strategies and templates; it’s about being that essential “critical friend.” Objective feedback, a balanced view of strengths and growth areas, and practical insights from seasoned pros are all part of the ISS package. Schools walk away with a plan that’s grounded in reality but fueled by ambition.
Community-Driven Success
The ISS model makes stakeholder involvement a must, creating a sense of ownership that powers the plan to life. Celebrating each victory along the way keeps everyone motivated to tackle ambitious goals head-on.
Five schools who have experienced huge progress with this model shared inspiring success stories at EARCOS this year. Thanks to Branksome Hall Asia, Seoul International School, Daegu International School, Shekou International School, and Changchun American International School for sharing their experiences in this game-changing endeavor in their schools.
Want to see how the ISS OPtimize Strategic Planning approach can work for you? Reach out to ISS today.
You can read ISS Strategic Planning case studies here from Branksome Hall Asia and International School Dhaka. Connect with Greg on Linkedin here, and Glenn on Linkedin here.