Schools may be tempted to create an action plan before studying all the possibilities. If you start with a preconceived solution, you will not be open to new possibilities. Sound judgement and good decisions result from thorough analysis during a needs assessment process.

Focus Questions
Formulate focus questions that can be answered by looking at your own school’s data. Your focus questions and data should go beyond academics to include questions about failure rates, student climate, attendance, discipline (see specific examples on pages 13-19).

Data Collection
Identify a baseline of data that will be useful as a gauge for determining continuous improvement over the next five years. Data should be collected across four measurement areas: demographics, student achievement, perceptions, and school processes.

Data Analysis
Consider the many factors that impede student learning. Look at specific populations and determine level of achievement. Look at achievement of students who participate in current school programs or instructional innovation. Summarize the identified strengths and needs from your data.

Further Inquiry and Prioritization of Needs
Ask why these needs exist at your school. Ask deeper questions that look across multiple measures. Prioritize the needs by listing those that the building can impact and make a difference.