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+
• TSI Needs Assessment Self-Reflection Template  
• DTSDE Professional Development Practices Self-Assessment Template
• DTSDE Family Engagement Inventory Template 
• DTSDE Social Emotional Learning Inventory Template 

Review of Resources

• Final DTSDE Report+
• DTSDE Professional Development Practices Self-Assessment Template 
• Feedback on Professional Development Practices Observed Template  
• TSI Needs Assessment Self-Reflection Template  

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