In this groundbreaking text, the author examines the synthesis of two antithetical ideas—needs assessment and asset/capacity building. At the heart of this approach is a focus on assessing the strengths and assets that communities have and demonstrating how to make those assets stronger. The author explains the foundation of needs assessment and asset/capacity building, discusses their similarities and differences, and offers a new hybrid framework that includes eight steps for how they ca...

"I liked the discussion of blending qualitative and quantitative research. I particularly liked the tone that it is not an "either or" discussion, but rather an "and" – the two approaches compliment one another."—Evan Abbott, Regis UniversityThis book covers the five most common instruments and strategies employed to explore needs. It describes the steps involved in implementing them and presents interesting case illustrations.Although this...

"There is plenty of sound advice for beginners, an update for individuals with more background, and pragmatic tools for everyone in the Needs Assessment process."—Valerie Larsen, University of VirginiaThis book shows how to analyze and combine qualitative and quantitative data. The authors also explain how to put results together to facilitate making empirically based needs decisions.Although this book can be used in a stand-alone fashion, ...

"The strength of the book is its thoroughness and how it actually takes the reader inside the experience, step-by-step, of conducting a Needs Assessment…"—Jody Bortone, Sacred Heart UniversityThis book focuses on how results have to be utilized in an organization for an assessment to be considered a success. The authors describe the three phases of needs assessment in depth along with subtleties in implementing them.Although this book can be used i...

"The Authors have done a good job of conveying the nuts and bolts of the process and problem situations that can arise from political and social conditions."—Stephanie Brzuzy, Xavier University"The authors offer a nice overview of the process involved in developing and conducting needs assessments. They make a cogent argument for the importance of identifying and addressing potential barriers to conducting a worthwhile needs assessment....

"James Altschuld, David Kumar, and their chapter authors have produced an upbeat, provocative, visionary, and useful volume on educational evaluation. Of special utility is its grounding in issues and practices relating to evaluations of science and technology education. The book should appeal and be useful to a wide range of persons involved in evaluations of educational policy, programs, and (less so) science teachers. These persons include science and technology education experts, educa...