1. DNLE Individual Assignment #2 – Needs Assessment
Missy Braden
A small public high school in rural Georgia with 400 students desires to improve mastery of high school
coursework, particularly in science.All high school students must take state mandated end of course
tests (EOCTs) in core subjects and achieve a minimum score of 70 on each test for graduation. Several
factors to be considered are:
1) high course load of teachers – at least 3 different preps per day (many teachers have 4 or 5).
2) most students are involved in after-school activities such as sports, so often do not have a
chance to stay after school and receive individualized help with assignments.
3) socio-economic background of families is varied, but 100% of students have access to a
computer at home, 92% have Internet access at home and 100% of students have cell
phones.
4) teachers vary in their comfort using technology such as the internet, tablets, smartboards,
etc., although all teachers have had basic instruction in integrating technology in the
classroom.
5) there are no additional funding sources at this time.
Currently 85% of students achieve minimum competency (pass with a score of 70) on the EOCTs in
English, 82% in Math, but only 68% in Science. The administration’s goal is to increase the minimum
competency rate of students who are passing to 90% in English and Math and 80% in Science over the
next school year, and increase all three areas to 95% over the next three years. Social studies rates will
be addressed during the next school year. Currently in the state pass rates are 88% for English, 87% for
Math, and 78% for Science.