ASCD Launches Free Online Needs Assessment and School Improvement Tool

Alexandria, VA (08/16/2012)—ASCD, the global leader in developing and delivering innovative programs, products, and services that empower educators to support the success of each learner, has unveiled the free, online ASCD School Improvement Tool, which is based on a whole child approach to education.

Designed for use in schools and school systems around the world, and ideal for schools developing and refining strategic plans, the online tool offers educators a comprehensive needs assessment as they embark on the new school year. Additionally, it connects administrators and teacher leaders with targeted professional development resources—books, online courses, and action tools—that can help them make the most significant schoolwide improvements and ensure all learners are healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged.

Found online at http://sitool.ascd.org, this tool launches a 15-minute survey that evaluates a school's strengths and weaknesses in areas of

• School climate and culture,

• Curriculum and instruction,

• Leadership,

• Family and community engagement,

• Professional development and staff capacity,

• Assessment, and

• Ability to provide and sustain a whole child approach to education across all aspects of the school experience.

Each user taking the "individual survey" receives a summary of his or her school’s greatest strengths as well as areas where immediate improvement is necessary based on the data entered. This enables users to identify possible causes of academic, behavioral, and social challenges at their schools and take strategic action to address them.

Administrators can assess schoolwide results from a dashboard view by adding a school to the online tool and having educators complete that school’s survey. District leaders can take this one step further by inputting multiple schools and then analyzing results throughout the district or by specific segments and school types, like elementary schools or Title 1 schools.

Based on a school's unique results, the ASCD School Improvement Tool points the user to six professional development resources that can help immediately address schoolwide challenges.

"ASCD is pleased to provide educators around the world with this new free resource," said ASCD Executive Director and CEO Dr. Gene R. Carter. "A 15-minute investment in this tool will help schools and districts worldwide identify ways they can improve education for the benefit of each learner."

For more information about ASCD and all of its programs, products, and services, or to join, visit www.ascd.org.

Contact Information  

• Julia Liapidova, communications specialist, 1-703-575-5607 or by e-mail. 
• Stephen Wakefield, communications director, 1-703-575-5764 or by e-mail.