|
Ohio Head Start Needs Assessments: Results and Implications
|
| Presenter(s):
|
| Hsin-Ling Hung, University of Cincinnati, hunghg@ucmail.uc.edu
|
| Mary Marx, University of Cincinnati, mary.marx@uc.edu
|
| James Scott, Ohio Department of Education, james.scott@ode.state.oh.us
|
| Deborah Smith, University of Cincinnati, smithdeb@ucmail.uc.edu
|
| Imelda Castaņeda-Emenaker, University of Cincinnati, castania@ucmail.uc.edu
|
| Abstract:
In response to the Head Start Reauthorization Act (amended December 2007), a needs assessment of Ohio's Head Start grantees was implemented. The project employed Witkin and Altschuld's (1995) three-phase model as a framework for assessing grantees' collaboration needs in providing services to children and families specific to federal priority areas: Health Care, Services for Children Experiencing Homelessness, Family/Child Assistance, Child Care, Family Literacy Services, Children with Disabilities and Their Families, Community Services, Partnerships with Local Education Agencies, and Professional Development. Data were collected via online survey. A mixed-method data analysis approach was used to assess priority area needs. Discrepancy analysis was performed to identify gaps in achieving expected collaboration in grantees' practices. Project background, findings, and implications will be presented. Utilization of needs assessment findings in the work at local, state, and federal levels will be discussed as well as applications for projects of a similar nature.
|
|
Assessing Needs Assessment Instruments: An Example From a Study on Retention Service Needs for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Students
|
| Presenter(s):
|
| Yi-Fang Lee, National Chi Nan University, ivanalee@ncnu.edu.tw
|
| James Altschuld, The Ohio State University, altschuld.1@osu.edu
|
| Jeffry White, Ashland University, jwsrc1997@aol.com
|
| Abstract:
Classical needs assessments (NA) are based on the discrepancy between the desired and current states; estimation of the two conditions is required. This discrepancy rationale is generally accepted and often seen in surveys utilizing multiple scales. The intent of this presentation is to describe various aspects of the analysis of an NA instrument designed to investigate the importance of, satisfaction with and frequency of use on retention services for minority students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The data were collected through a web-based survey using 5-point Likert scales. Principal Component Analysis was conducted for each scale/dimension to check on the patterns of item clusters. In addition, comparisons between student and faculty/administrator versions of the survey were examined.
|
|
Health Plan Needs Assessments: A Framework for Labor-Management Committee Utilization
|
| Presenter(s):
|
| Gregg Gascon, Ohio Education Association, gascong@ohea.org
|
| Abstract:
Health insurance coverage for non-elderly Americans is provided primarily through public and private employers; in 2006, more than 158 million Americans received health insurance coverage as a condition of employment. The employment-based health insurance system that has developed over time allows employers to deduct their contributions as a business expense and provides employees with a non-taxable benefit. Given rising health insurance costs, labor and management have come together to look for ways to build their capacity to understand how to create health programs that control costs and increase the health status of employees. This paper proposes a framework for health plan needs assessments that can be conducted in the context of labor-management committees created to address rapidly rising health insurance costs in the workplace. The health plan needs assessment framework is designed to provide actionable data as well as to build the capacity of local stakeholders to address other concerns.
|
| | |