Formulate a Problem Statement

1. Conducting a Comprehensive Needs Assessment Formulate a Problem Statement

2. Session Question • Howdo school/district leaders come to consensus about a critical problem—related to curriculum, instruction, assessment, standards, or resources—that needs to be addressed? 2

3. Identifying Key Issues • Review the evidence of support and challenges recorded on chart paper. • From these, identify three key issues affecting alignment that need to be addressed. 3

4. Identifying Key Issues • Recorder will write each issue on a sentence strip to post on the wall. • Complete sentence • Legible • Large enough • Example of an issue: We do not have a reliable and consistent way to identify specific instructional needs for every learner. 4

5. Formulating a Problem Statement • Reflect on the key issues and formulate a problem statement that incorporates the most important ideas in the issues. • Guidelines • 1 or 2 complete sentences • Legible • Large enough 5

6. Example of a Problem Statement Teachers do not collaborate on lesson plans or use research-based practices, and literacy instruction is not aligned to standards. 6

7. Reminders for Formulating a Problem Statement • Sometimes it is a quick and easy process; other times it is slower and more difficult. • The conversation to identify a critical problem is important in focusing the improvement work and building team commitment. • Encourage robust discussion, but do not get bogged down in wordsmithing. 7