Needs Assessment

In order to develop a school-specific improvement plan, schools must look closely at multiple sources of information to reflect on the causes for identification and determine areas of need. At the center of the Needs Assessment process is the state’s Diagnostic Tool for School and District Effectiveness (DTSDE) school review process.

The needs assessment process involves a review of three types of information:

Review of Data

• Teacher Survey Data
• Student Survey Data
• Parent Survey Data
• Formal and Informal Assessment Data
• Attendance Data
• Behavior Data
• Additional school-identified data

Review of Practices

• Final DTSDE Report+
• DTSDE Family Engagement Inventory Template 
• DTSDE Social Emotional Learning Inventory Template 
• DTSDE Curriculum and Instruction School Inventory

Review of Resources

• Final DTSDE Report+
• Systems and Leadership Inventory

+ This document is provided by the NYSED to the district approximately 6 to 8 weeks following the school’s DTSDE review