Dropout and Violence Needs Assessment: A Follow-up Study

Abstract

The current study investigated a needs assessment survey designed to measure perceptions of causes of dropout and school violence and related interventions. The needs assessment was conceptualized as a first step to be taken by schools to facilitate program planning, school-based implementation and acceptability of programs designed to prevent school violence and dropout. The research reported in this paper is a follow-up to a recently published comprehensive needs assessment regarding the prevention of school dropout and violence. Results compare survey administration in Michigan with the original sample in Georgia. The revised instrument was administered to a school district in Michigan, and the results supported the five-factor model proposed in the initial research. Those factors include: School Connectedness, Causes of Disruptive of Violent Behavior, Causes of School Disengagement/Dropout, Interventions for Violence and Interventions for Dropout. This article considers implications for future use of adapted versions of this needs assessment surveys in developing effective preventive interventions.