Achievement and Needs Assessments
Needs assessments are valuable tools for those in the school counseling profession. They provide school counselors with a systematic process for collecting information the current condition of students. After data collection, this information can then be compared to the desired condition of students. Once gaps are identified, discrepancies can be discussed and solutions proposed. A needs assessment is often the first step in problem identification and serves as a catalyst for change. Needs assessments may be used to assess each domain of school counseling. Additionally, needs assessments are often conducted to determine current satisfaction with the school's counseling department and may be used to make improvements within the department. Below are a few examples of needs assessments that may be used for academic, college/career, and personal/social concerns, needs assessments for departmental satisfaction and improvement, and a needs assessment created by myself and the school counseling department at Wes-Del Middle/High School, where I completed my internship.