Colorado Department of Education
A Guide For a Comprehensive Needs
Assessment
Southwest Comprehensive Center of West Ed.
Needs Assessment
• “An attempt to assess or measure a perceived or actual need by collecting data to document a challenge that exists (CDE, 1)”.
• No Child Left Behind mandates schools provide a description of need for programs. Title III (English Language Learners) (CDE, 2)
Needs Assessments (CDE, 3)
• Provides Direction for Programs• Determines Priorities• Creates Cohesion of Goals and
Desired Outcomes• Enables Benchmarking and
Monitoring of Implementation• Assists with Continuous
Improvement Activities
Focus, Team & Goals
• Focus on factors that can impact the achievement of Students (CDe, 4)o Test Scores, drop out/Graduation
Rates, attendance• A Formal Planning team is critical
(CDe, 4)• After Data Analysis, Goals need to
be identified with Action Plans (CDE, 5)
Data Analysis (CDE, 13-14)
• Prioritize Needs• Identify Root Causes
o 6 Whys• Summarize Findings• Make Decisions• Goal Planning
SMART GOALS (CDE, 15)
• Specific• Measurable• Attainable• Realistic• Timely
Comprehensive Plan
• 2 essential Steps (CDE, 15)o Measurable Goalso Strategies to Meet the Goals
• Success is More Likely when district improvement strategies are in alignment with district strategies (CDE, 15)
Sources
Colorado Department of Education. A Guide for Comprehensive Needs Assessment: Southwest Comprehensive Center of West Ed.
Questions
• After reading the article, how would a comprehensive needs assessment be beneficial to addressing the needs of ELLs in your current district/university?
• The article discussed SMART Goals in association with a comprehensive needs assessment. On a smaller scale, with an English Language Learner in mind, develop a SMART Goal for their Language acquisition. What are some suggestions to helping this individual meet this goal? (professional development, curricular/instructional suggestions, technology, family and community supports)
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