This paper discusses the historical development of the major concepts and philosophies of education which have influenced educational planning and directed the thoughts and actions of educational planners over the last few hundred years. It also throws light on the political, social, economic, scientific and technological movements and revolutions which have taken place during the twentieth century and their effects on education.
The paper concludes that educational planning should be integrated with community, national and international planning. Educational planning becomes, therefore, a part of a comprehensive plan that deals with all becomes, therefore, a part of a comprehensive plan that deals with all aspects of importance to people. The most significant factor that should be taken into consideration before and after planning is population.
Concerning the Arab world, educational planning becomes meaningful only through a general plan based on the objective and scientific study of all aspects of its life, particularly those related to population.