Conducting a K-12 Classroom Needs Assessment

A Comprehensive Look At Identifying Needs and Developing Resources

Jan 17, 2009

A systematic needs assessment identifies classroom, instruction, and curriculum needs, and can help teachers develop concrete strategies and resources for meeting them.

When teachers assess their students, they gain the information they need to make informed instructional decisions. Similarly, self-designed classroom needs assessments can provide teachers with valuable information about professional goals, instructional strengths and weaknesses, and needed classroom materials, while providing a framework for finding resources and continually improving the classroom learning environment. To develop a self-designed classroom needs assessment, start with the following categories and questions:

Classroom Environment

Is the classroom environment attractive and inviting? Are resource materials readily accessible to students? Is classroom space arranged to facilitate student movement and to accommodate all its uses? Is there a classroom library? Is there enough storage and table or counter space? Do students have enough desk space for their supplies? What would enhance the classroom space?

Instructional Materials

Are there adequate supplies for daily instructional activities? Are there enough textbooks? Are there a variety of supplemental texts to enhance instructional units? Are there adequate instructional resources such as math manipulatives, science supplies, art supplies, maps or other visual aids? What instructional materials would enhance daily instruction?

Classroom Management

Do students transition smoothly from one content area to another, or from another class into this one? Is the majority of time used for instruction? Are there behavior issues that arise during transitions or other instructional times? Is there a pattern to any disruptions that occur? Are there procedures in place for taking attendance, passing in work, returning graded work, and using the restrooms? What modifications to current procedures would allow more time for instruction?

Technology and Other Equipment

Are there computers in the room? Is there an adequate number of computers? Are laptop computers available for class use? Are there an adequate number of printers and scanners? Does the classroom have a Smartboard, digital projector, or other forms of technology that enhance whole class instruction? Do students have access to other forms of electronic equipment, such as video or digital cameras? Is there technological equipment that would enhance the instructional program?

Professional Training

What forms of professional development would assist in meeting personal goals? Which units of study or areas of instruction are in need of some new strategies or activities? Are there issues with classroom management that could be addressed through additional training? Are there any areas of interest that would spark creativity in daily instruction? What training would enhance instruction and make teaching fresh?

Curriculum and Instructional Methods

Does daily instruction fit curricular goals? Is the curriculum aligned with state standards and current assessments? Are classroom assessments varied and authentic measures of what was taught? Are there areas of the curriculum that feel out of place? Are there areas of the curriculum where students consistently struggle? Would changes in materials, instructional strategies, or timing make a difference? Are there other areas of interest to students that should be included in the curriculum? In what ways could the instructional program be enhanced?

By systematically examining individual classrooms, teachers can identify the materials, equipment, training, or instructional materials that would benefit their students, and then find funds, either through grants or community resources, to meet those needs.

Iverson, Heidi and others. "Building a Framework for Determining the Authenticity of Instructional Tasks within Teacher Education Programs". Teaching and Teacher Education: An International Journal of Research and Studies, February, 2008, p. 290-302.

Lesham, Shosh and Bar-Hama, Rivka. "Evaluating Teaching Practice". ELT Journal, July, 2008, p. 257-265.

Witkin, Belle and Altshuld, James. Planning and Conducting Needs Assessments: A Practical Guide. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, 1995.

The copyright of the article Conducting a K-12 Classroom Needs Assessment in Teaching Strategies/Mentorship is owned by Barbara Abromitis. Permission to republish Conducting a K-12 Classroom Needs Assessment in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.