Secretary Rod Paige has just released a five-year strategic plan for the U.S. Department of Education that seeks to bring real accountability to the Department's own functions. Combining elements of the No Child Left Behind Act with the President's management agenda, the plan sets six strategic goals for the agency, each with specific objectives and performance measures. The goals are to: 1) create a culture of achievement, 2) improve student achievement, 3) develop safe schools and strong character, 4) transform education into an evidence-based field, 5) enhance the quality of and access to postsecondary and adult education, and 6) establish management excellence. The Department intends to report to Congress annually on actions linked to the goals and to appraise employees based on performance linked to the goals. To view the plan, surf to www.ed.gov/pubs/stratplan2002-07/index.html.
