Ways that school administrators can develop or improve their strategic thinking and learning skills are presented in this guidebook, which forces the planner to change his or her actual thinking about planning before taking action. Chapter 1 deals with overcoming single-issue thinking and becoming proactive. Basic concepts and tools are provided, some of which include distinguishing between ends and means, defining the primary client and beneficiary of the educational system, relating the three levels of educational planning and results, and identifying why schools fail. Chapter 2 provides a four-phase framework and the basic tools and concepts for strategic planning. The third chapter shows how to prepare measurable objectives, define and develop needs assessments, and prepare data, and asks seven basic questions. Chapter 4 presents strategies for mega-level planning (when the client is the community). Chapter 5 describes the macro-level planning process, when the primary client is the school. The sixth chapter explains micro-level planning and distinguishes between strategic and tactical planning. Chapter 7 details how to develop the strategic action plan, including operational planning, methods-means analysis, quasi-needs assessments, systems analysis, and continuous improvement through Total Quality Management and Total Quality Management Plus. Ways to prevent problems and deal with them when they arise are discussed in chapter 8. Chapter 9 presents a case study on strategic thinking in a school district. Twenty-three tables, 29 figures, and a five-page bibliography are included. (LMI)