Chapter 3

The topic of this chapter, needs analysis, reminded me of the process our district is in regarding the current language programs at each site. Although I am unfamiliar with all of the details of this process, I know that its goal is to determine the type of language program each community desires and to identify the goals of the language program they choose. Once these two things are established, then the district will define a plan that identifies what must occur in order for the goals to be met. For example, the district will identify what teachers must do, what parents/community members must do, and what students must do. Eventually, an “agreement” will be reached and the language program will be modified or changed to meet the goals of the community.

This reminded me of needs analysis because the need is a language program that is appropriate for each site. (In other words, the current language programs may not be meeting the goals of all the stakeholders). In order to meet each site's needs, various ways of collecting information are being used: surveys, meetings, questionnaires, etc. This process takes time but eventually the information obtained will be used to make a decision that aligns the language program with the goals of all its stakeholders.