Evaluation - Needs Assessment Kit
A New Needs Assessment Kit
James W. Altschuld, an emeritus professor with long involvement in CETE projects, is the editor of a new five-volume series on the design, implementation, and use of needs assessment (NA) in education, health, public service, business, and related areas. He has authored or co-authored four of the books in The Needs Assessment Kit, which is available from Sage Publications (http://www.sagepub.com). The five sequenced books take the reader through the NA process, going into the subtle dimensions involved in identifying, prioritizing, and taking action to resolve needs. All the books are filled with procedures and examples from the literature and real-world experience. The kit is a set but each volume has its own value and can be used in a standalone fashion as described here.
Co-authors or other authors of the books are Nick Eastmond, Jr., of Utah State University, Jean King of the University of Minnesota, David Kumar of Florida Atlantic University, Laurel Stevahn of the University of Seattle, and Jeff White of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
Book 1—Needs Assessment: An Overview
This book contains an expanded version of the Three-Phase Model of NA from Altschuld and Witkin (2000). It serves as the framework for the other books in the kit. The text is attentive to how results have to be used in an organization for an assessment to be successful. The three phases are described in depth. An overview of methods often used in phases and an extensive glossary of needs-related terms are provided.
Book 2—Phase 1: Getting Started
Frequently, starting a meaningful NA is problematic. The focus here is on numerous approaches for doing just that. It includes the cultural audit, initial scaled or open-ended questionnaires for use by the group guiding the assessment, how to select members of that group and how to organize its endeavors, techniques for conducting collaborative ventures across organizations, sources of available information used early in the process, etc. The emphasis is on collecting existing information before spending funds to create new data. Decisions based on Phase 1 are explained.
Book 3—Phase 2: Collecting Data
If not enough information is found in Phase 1, then new instruments and strategies are required to explore needs. Many methods can be employed but the five most common in NA are epidemiological studies, surveys, focus group interviews (two distinct types), and individual interviews. Steps in applying them and many interesting illustrations are offered. Stress is placed on mixing (quantitative and qualitative) methods for the assessment. Preliminary ways to prioritize and causally look at data are also given.
Book 4—Analysis and Prioritization
This is an in-depth look at how to analyze and combine qualitative and quantitative data and how to put results together to facilitate making needs-based decisions. The jigsaw puzzle nature of data from many sources and how to portray findings meaningfully are discussed. The reader is encouraged via examples to look at data in detail for what they might be telling needs assessors. Of particular interest is how to display information from varied sources in ways that foster understanding on the part of decision-making audiences.
Book 5—Phase 3: Taking Action for Change
The value of any NA lies in whether it leads to plans for improving and enhancing the organization or group for which it was conducted. In practice this is more difficult than meets the eye. The authors take the reader on a journey of results utilization and then the evaluation of the NA itself. Pitfalls to avoid along the way are thoughtfully illuminated. A key highlight is the “double dozen” techniques that can make the trip special. The text explains where the techniques best fit into the utilization process.
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