Needs Assessment

A brief overview of needs assessment in the context

of using ID to plan instructional programs

Needs Assessment

• Concept & definitions • Purpose• Needs assessment & strategic planning• Origins of needs• Continual needs assessment

Why Needs Assessment?

• Focus education/training on critical needs• Accountability• Education & training effectiveness &

efficiency

Process to Identify Needs

• Establish vision or mission• Identify ideal state• Determine actual state• Identify discrepancies

ActualState

IdealState

Needs

Vision Vision

Establishing Ideal State

• Consistent with vision• Optimal, but realistic• Based on past performance• Based on industry norms• Based on best practices• Benchmarking

IdealState

Vision Vision

Collecting Data to Establish Idea State

• Review of existing documents– Mission statements– Organization’s charter– Periodic reports such as annual report

• Interviewing key stakeholders• Surveying broad sample of stakeholders

Establishing Actual State

• Performance audit• Data to evaluate performance

vis a vis ideal state• Examine existing data• Collect new data as needed

ActualState

IdealState

Vision Vision

Collecting Data to Establish Actual State

• Review of existing data sources– Performance audits– Internal reviews of unit & personnel

performance– Periodic reports of performance

• Interviewing people with access to performance data

• Surveying to collect original data

Identifying Needs

• Determine stakeholders• Identify gaps or discrepancies• Needs are gaps between ideal

and actual• Arrange needs in priority• Decide to take action

ActualState

IdealState

Needs

Vision Vision

Benefits of Needs Assessment

• Education and training for results• Problem reduction• Return on investment (ROI)• Reach strategic goals

Risks of Skipping Needs Assessment

• Education/training has little or no impact• Problem remains• Waste time & money• Credibility of educational organization