This practical guide to conducting needs assessments provides: coverage of several approaches for analysig data; a balanced description of qualitative and quantitative methodologies; multiple case studies and examples.

What goals should be addressed by educational programs? What priorities should be assigned to the different goals? What funds should be allocated to each goal? How can quality services be maintained with declining school enrollments and shrinking revenues? What programs could be cut if necessary? The ebb and flow of the student population, the changing needs of our society and the fluctuation of resources constantly impinge on the education system. Educators must deal with students, communities, and social institutions that are dynamic, resulting in changing needs. It is in the context of attempting to be responsive to these changes, and to the many wishes and needs that schools are asked to address, that needs assessment can be useful. Needs assessment is a process that helps one to identify and examine both values and information. It provides direction for making decisions about programs and resources. It can include such relatively objective procedures as the statistical description and analysis of standardized test data and such subjective procedures as public testimony and values clarification activities. Needs assessment can be a part of community relations, facilities planning and consolidation, program development and evaluation, and resource allocation. Needs assessment thus addresses a xiii XIV PREFACE broad array of purposes and requires that many different kinds of procedures be available for gathering and analyzing information. This book was written with this wide variation of practices in mind.

This book demystifies the process of planning a community intervention, using clear and simple language to aid students understanding .

This collection of assessment instruments provides additional examples of instruments and processes that have already been designed and used successfully in a wide variety of organizations and companies.

"This book provides all the information and strategies students need to pass the exam and to gain professional insights into the history and the future of health education...In addition, anyone interested in being a health educator can benefit from the last chapter, which describes career opportunities in the field. For students of health education and related majors, the CHES exam is a credential that sets them apart when looking for a job. This is an exceptional certification guide for anyone who is planning to take the exam." Score: 98, 5 Stars, Doody’s Medical Reviews This exam review is a trusted resource for anyone preparing for the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES®) exam offered by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. (NCHEC). With completely updated chapters to reflect the Eight Areas of Responsibility and Competencies this new edition provides the blueprint and structure of the revised CHES® exam implemented in 2022. Written by experienced health educators credentialed by the NCHEC, and featuring 325 questions, answers, and rationales in an easily digestible format, this guide offers essential test-taking prep, including a full practice exam, and key strategies for passing the exam. For further professional insight, this review also contains a chapter on continuing professional development, including the requirements and sources for continuing education to maintain CHES® certification and information about the advanced credential NCHEC offers, the Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES®). This 2nd edition continues to be a leading resource for anyone preparing for the CHES® exam. Key Features: 325 practice questions with answers and detailed rationales Completely updated and reorganized content reflecting the Eight Areas of Responsibility and associated Competencies Relevant content and background information written by MCHES® certified authors, including a Test Day Q&A Sample exam with the expected mix of questions from each of the Eight Areas of Responsibility and an answer section with explanations of the correct answer Advice on career development and continuing education as a Certified Health Education Specialist Information about the advanced credential offered by the NCHEC, the Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES®)

Through the use of real world examples drawn from various fields, the book provides in-depth procedures for: analyzing and combining different types of data collected in the needs assessment process, prioritizing needs, selecting solution strategies, designing and implementing solution strategies, and examining major multiple-method needs assessment studies."--BOOK JACKET.