After evaluating a needs assessment, what is the counselor’s best next step to improve services?

Assembling an advisory council to discuss the results of a needs assessment is a vital next step for several reasons. This approach encourages collaboration and input from various stakeholders, which can include educators, parents, community leaders, and students. Engaging an advisory council helps to ensure that the findings from the needs assessment are thoroughly analyzed, allowing for diverse perspectives on how to address the identified needs effectively.

By forming an advisory council, the counselor can foster a better understanding of the local context and gather insights that might not have been captured in the initial assessment. This process supports the development of a comprehensive plan for service improvements that are grounded in community input and aligned with the specific needs of students. Additionally, this step lays the groundwork for gaining the necessary support and buy-in from key stakeholders before moving forward with changes or new initiatives.

Modifying existing programs or implementing new programs immediately lacks the benefit of collaborative input and can lead to solutions that may not effectively address the community's needs. Presenting findings to the school board for approval is also an important step but ideally should come after there has been a thorough discussion with an advisory council to ensure that the proposal is well-informed and well-supported.