An Analysis of Needs Assessment Techniques for Educational Planning at State, Intermediate, and District Levels

This report is intended primarily for educators who have the responsibility for conducting or managing a needs assessment at the school or district level. Although most of the material relates to local assessments in the elementary and secondary schools, some information has been included on statewide assessments and on emerging efforts in community colleges and universities. The information was gathered from published and unpublished reports of needs assessments, examination of models, kits, and various instruments, and the (limited) theoretical and research literature in the field. The report is organized in three parts: Part 1, "The State of the Art," an overview of trends and major approaches; Part 2, "Needs Assessment Models," descriptions of the most widely available and characteristic models, together with some case studies of their application; Part 3, "How to Do It," management, some communication and other strategies, strengths and limitations, and social fairness issues. (Author)