Implementing the School Improvement Plan will require the principal's time and attention. To do so successfully, a focused approach is needed. From the business world, the Balanced Scorecard is proving to be a  useful tool for focusing attention on improvement efforts. Developed in the early 90s by Drs. Robert Kaplan and David Norton of Harvard University, it enables business leaders to align improvement strategies with associated key performance measures.

Conceptually, the approach focuses attention on four areas that impact vision and strategy: financial performance, internal business processes, learning and growth, and the customer. Within each area, specific objectives with performance metrics are set to measure accomplishment. In brief, it is a system that focuses accountability on the critical performance measures that are in sync with their vision and strategy objectives.

Principals can apply the concept in their schools as well. Federal and state school improvement laws place performance and accountability at the principal's door. For schools, the key measure would be student academic performance. In adapting the Balanced Scorecard to education, the following context may be useful.

Each prime focus area is addressed through specific strategies, objectives, performance metrics, and timelines for accomplishment. Organized in a visual form, the scorecard can serve as a useful monitoring tool for the principal that the school's work is on target in fulfilling its school improvement plan.

Balanced Scorecard Planning Template HTML and PDF

 Additional Information Balanced Scorecard Concept

What is the Balanced Scorecard?
The Balanced Scorecard Institute
Guide to a Balanced Scorecard Performance Management Methodology