The results of the 1996-1997 KITS Needs Assessment have been compiled and evaluated. The needs assessments were mailed to 1418 early childhood special and regular educators, administrators, related service personnel, and preservice and inservice training personnel across the state. It was included with a self-addressed return envelope in the August 1996 issue of the KITS Newsletter. To date, only 67 have been returned which represents a 4.7% return. The rate of return was slightly higher than last year, although still extremely low. These results are one of the information tools utilized to organize training and technical assistance activities throughout the year.

Respondents were asked to identify areas in which they would like to receive information, training, and technical assistance. Overall, the highest rated area was preventative behavior management/supporting appropriate behavior.It rated 3.4 on a scale of 1 to 4 (1 being the lowest interest and 4 the highest). Second highest, with a mean of 3.2, was the area supporting family participation. Five topics ranked third with a mean score of 3.1: building effective teams,finding and using resources, ;providing services in the child's natural environment (LRE),adapting curriculum to meet individual needs, and information and resources for families.

Along with the statewide training priority identified by the Kansas State Department of Education, KITS will continue to emphasize those topics which were rated highest by the assessment respondents. We wish to thank all those who participated and returned their survey and remind everyone to be sure to return your questionnaire next year so that your voice will count.

Back To Top

Back To January 1997 Newsletter