No one likes reports
When groups engage in the strategic planning process, they produce reports. Reports. Eww. No one likes reports.
I'm not saying reports aren't useful. Every year, I read too many to count. But I don't like them.
Put it this way. If you were using eHarmony or some other dating service, and someone you were considering to get to know listed "reading reports" as a favorite activity, would you not run in the other direction?
Embrace the movie
So, when I help groups engage in the strategic planning process, I advise them to let go of "the report" and embrace the movie. My pitch goes like this: "Imagine you are making a movie about your school or district. Imagine the end in advance. Where do you want to be? Now pick a hero or heroes, and look through the evolution of your district through their eyes. What obstacles do they encounter on their way to success? What resources, experiences or help do they need? Now write a script." Then have a little fun with your group by asking each to identify who they want to play them. For me, its Al Pacino.
If kids could make movies
And then there's asking kids to make movies. This one isn't about about their schools. It's about a local mystery involving buying a penguin. But you can't help but wonder, What if kids made movies about what they wanted their schools to be like? Check out this YouTube video