Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
322337 | Evaluation and Program Planning | 2013 | 6 Pages |
Needs assessment (NA) is conducted to identify discrepancies that guide the development and improvement of services. In this article we focus on methodological issues in a secondary analysis of a multi-site, national needs assessment. Understanding challenges in such a context is important for needs assessors. The Head Start needs assessment project is a good illustration of the problems that can be encountered. Lessons learned will be useful for advancing NA practice in the future.
► Descriptions of many issues in a nationwide needs assessment for Head Start. ► Strategies for analyzing data in light of the issues are explained. ► Positive results achieved via attending to difficulties in data. ► National and local concerns and considerations related to policy are discussed.