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

Establishing Ideal State Consistent with vision Optimal, but realistic Based on past performance Based on industry norms Based on best practices Benchmarking Ideal State Vision

Collecting Data to Establish Idea State Review of existing documents –Mission statements –Organizations 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 Actual State Ideal State 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

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