tbUCAVON

A survey instrument was mailed to 44 directors of continuing education to determine the methods of needs assessment used for State-supported two-year colleges in New York and compare the range and scope of these methods in relationship to the size of the continuing education programs. All 17 responses served as the basis for the results for three survey questions; 15 responses (two indicated directions were not understood) were further subdivided into "large " and ',smalls ' program categories based on the number of credit courses offered. Seven respondents felt their needs assessment procedures were effective; three, somewhat effective; four, ineffective; and three did not respond. A regional approach to needs assessment was thought by four to be useful; six, perhaps; and seven, no. Of the seven methods of needs assessment, informal feedback was used the most by both program categories. Other methods used were: formal citizens advisory council, analysis of State/national needs and interests, written surveys, contact with helping people, review of local muss media, and campus faculty/administration continuing education advisory council. The random sample of area population was used very little relative to less scientific methods. (A seven-page bibliography and the survey instrument are appended.) (AG