The Comprehensive Needs Assessment (CNA) provides a framework which:

• provides districts and schools with a clear view of their strengths, areas for improvement, challenges, and successes;
• enables a systematic review of practices, processes, and systems within a school district;
• assists district and school leadership in determining needs, examining their nature and causes, and setting priorities for future action;
• guides the development of a meaningful district or school plan and suggests benchmarks for evaluation; and
• most importantly, it is a corner stone of continuous improvement, ensuring the best possible outcomes for all students.

The rubrics and materials that underpin the third party Comprehensive Needs Assessment may be used by any school to strengthen the School Improvement Planning process. The following six dimensions are evaluated during the Comprehensive Needs Assessment Process.

Orientation Resources Before a CNA

Schools that are identified to participate in a Comprehensive Needs Assessment (CNA) receive an overview of the entire CNA process during an orientation conducted by an Instructional Review Coach (IRC). After the CNA, District and Regional Support staff provides training for schools centered on the Comprehensive Needs Assessment report.

Find all Orientation materials to prepare for the CNA on the CNA Orientation for School Leaders Canvas hub.

Post-CNA Training Resources and Professional Development

Comprehensive Needs Assessment (CNA)

• Content about CNAs (as written on the website currently)
• Replace current documents with updated versions (attached in the email)
  • School Rubric
  • School Self Evaluation Form (SEF)
  • District Rubric
  • District Self Evaluation Form (SEF)
  • CNA Notes of Guidance

We offer professional development centered on Unpacking the CNA, cultural responsiveness, identifying and developing school culture, and effective family, community, and school partnerships. 

Contact Information

For more information about the CNA process or training, please contact Susan Silver, Diagnostic Services Lead at 984-236-2021 or susan.silver@dpi.nc.gov.