A comprehensive needs assessment collects data to document existing challenges in order to discover needs related to attendance, parental involvement, school climate, leadership, and test achievement. It provides direction for programs by determining priorities through aligning goals, strategies, professional development, and outcomes. The assessment asks individuals connected to education what is needed to close gaps between current status and desired outcomes, considering a range of needs from valid and reliable data involving many individuals to develop goals, action plans, and regularly evaluate strategies.