NEEDS ASSESSMENT

Adult Education Programs

Additionally, it has contacted various agencies involved in serving educationally disadvantaged adults. It has made public announcements of the adult education classes available. It has structured a review boards, which provides a cross- section representation of the community. The Program is also aware of the ever present need for special classes and programs.

Most Northern Marianas adults have a primary need for training in the operational Language of the Northern Marianas, namely English. Almost all Northern Marianas adults have additional basic educational needs. There is an immediate need to learn the new and developing structures of the society in which they live.

There is a continuing need for basic health education and consumer education, along with a need for improving mathematical skills in the changing situation of an increasingly money-oriented economy, Because all of these additional educational needs are being increasingly felt by the people, these areas are of real interest.

Materials in simple English covering these subjects will become natural vehicles for the teaching of basic English reading, writing, and spelling skills. It should be noted that there are no urban areas within the Northern Marianas therefore all adults are considered to be part of a rural setting.

There is a minimum number of institutionalized adults in the prison, youth detention center and hospital setting. While they share the needs described above, they are in such small numbers that they must be considered on an individual basis.

Amendment and improvements in the State Plan center on four basic concepts: l) improve access to disadvantaged adults, 2) improve accountability at all levels, 3) develop community' agency, school, business, industry partnerships, and 4) improve quality of methods, curriculum, staff development and planning.

Needs Assessment Topic Areas