A University Approach to Coordinated Needs Assessment and Program Development for Related Curriculum in the Uptown Community of Chicago: Planning Educational Policy.

The study was designed to collect and analyze data for a needs assessment of the Uptown Community of Chicago. Baseline data about the people residing and/or living in Uptown, their needs, fears, hopes, and expectations, and information regarding the causes and remedies of Uptown problems are given. Participants included persons from virtually every ethnic group, those active in more than 40 agencies and/or organizations in the community, and a cross-section of age groubings from various vocations and professions. The data were analyzed to identify the needs and the educational programs most appropriate for fulfilling them. Three processes were used to collect data: the Nominal Group Process Technique, a survey questionnaire, and personal interviews. Recommendations include a model for a life-centered educational curriculum plan. (Author/MSE)