The steps involved in conducting a valid needs assessment are described and some problems to be avoided are discussed. Needs assessment begins with a set of educational goals. It is important that community opinion be obtained regarding the goals to ensure that they represent the interests of all involved in the educational process. Once the goals…

This publication is designed for counselors, teachers and parents who want to improve their local guidance program and make it more responsive to the needs of those it serves. Broad and intensive school-community involvement, including parents, pupils, school personnel, school board members, and concerned citizens, is a primary feature.…

This is a 5-booklet instructional kit focusing on practical ways to assess the health and social needs of children and youth in local communities. The needs assessment model described in the kit was developed and pretested in Boston, Massachusetts. The first booklet, "Learning About Your Community's Needs," provides a framework for the…

Four case studies presented in this handbook demonstrate specific techniques which can be used to build citizen participation in a community education program. Based on criteria of adaptability, evidence of effectiveness, and significance, one project for each of the following four classifications of ninety-two relevant projects was selected for…