1. Comprehensive Needs
Assessment
An attempt to assess or measure a
perceived or actual need by collecting
data to document a challenge that
exists

2. Why?
• Discovers challenges to goals related to
attendance, parental involvement, school
climate, leadership, and achievement on
summative tests
• Provides direction for programs and projects
• Allows staff to determine priorities
• Creates cohesion through the alignment of
goals, strategies, professional development, and
desired outcomes
• Enables benchmarking
• Assists with continuous improvement activities

3. How?
• Asking individuals connected with
education what they need to close the gap
between current status and some desired
state
• Comprehensive research project

4. Components
• Considers range of needs
• Variety of sources
• Valid and reliable data
• Involvement of many individuals
• Development of goals and action plans
• Basis for resource allocation
• Regular follow-up and evaluation of plans
and strategies
A Guide for Comprehensive Needs Assessment, Prepared for the Colorado
Department of Education by RMC Research Corporation