Use of Focus-Group Needs Assessment for Planning Paraprofessional Staff Development in Iowa's Education Settings

Abstract

The Iowa Learning Resource Network conducted a needs assessment project to address issues pertaining to the staff development and utilization of paraprofessional services, including speech-language paraprofessionals. A preliminary step in the project was the formation of focus groups consisting of professionals and paraprofessionals serving in a variety of assignments throughout the state. Through these groups, project coordinators conducted a needs assessment to identify important issues in the staff development and use of paraprofessional personnel. Focus group discussions revealed several issues that require systemic change efforts at the state, regional, and local levels. This article describes how the focus group assessment approach can be used to gather important information for designing job-relevant personnel development programs.