Since implementing NCLB (No Child Left Behind), raising of test scores and making AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress) have been paramount in the schools and the search has been on to find "THE" answer in the schools' quest to attain these goals. When hunting for appropriate methods to reach these objectives, needs assessments are often designed in hopes of gaining information, often about what is not working. Prior to sending out a needs assessment, there are several questions to consider. Making change for the sake of change is ineffective, which has been proven repeatedly. In establishing a workable plan to ascertain how effective programs are and where the matches and gaps are, it is highly recommended that the stakeholders have input into it. In devising a needs assessment, it is suggested that the school work with an expert in the field who is well-versed in designing effective instruments. This paper offers steps that can be taken in order to effect substantive and meaningful change. (Contains 10 online resources.)