Skip to main content
Evaluation 2024 Main banner
Icon Legend
Presentation Icons
Birds of a Feather
Birds of a Feather
Pres Strand
Pres Strand
Extra Cost
Extra Cost
Ignite
Ignite
TIG Multipaper
TIG Multipaper
General/Social
General/Social

Birds of a Feather

Needs Assessment

Session: Birds of a Feather

47 - Incorporating Community Voice and Data Walks into Needs Assessment

Stream: Program Development and Design

Friday, October 25, 2024
12:45 PM - 1:15 PM PST
Location: Exhibit Hall A
Birds of a Feather
Abstract Information: This proposal presents a comprehensive community needs assessment aimed at enhancing educational outcomes and workforce readiness in the region. Through the analysis of nearly 8,000 surveys from students, staff, and families, alongside interviews with local employers and engaging data walks, the project exemplifies the theme of "Amplifying and Empowering Voices in Evaluation" at the 2024 AEA conference. The methodology involved a multi-collaborator approach, including a dedicated steering committee, to refine survey content, enhance response rates, and analyze results. Semi-structured interviews with regional employers and higher-education partners provided diverse perspectives, while data walks with both students and community members across the region facilitated shared sense-making processes. The resulting deliverables were designed to guide strategic planning and address regional needs, ensuring continuous assessment and responsiveness to community demands, particularly from historically underrepresented and typically unheard voices, including today's youth. The session will explore utilized methods and discuss lessons learned on the project.