This report presents samples of models and strategies for determining professional development needs of special education personnel. The following areas are covered: definitions of needs and the needs assessment process; personnel needs assessment regulations under the Comprehensive System of Personnel Development, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and the Rehabilitation Acts; steps in conducting a needs assessment; guidelines for sampling; features of various needs assessment models, including definitions, data sources, steps for implementation, and examples; aspects of a comprehensive needs assessment process including an example from one state education agency; processes for integrating and prioritizing needs across data sources; guidelines for the use of surveys; and additional resources on needs assessment. The following needs assessment models are considered: Consumers' Felt Needs Model, Social Marketing Model, Components of Training Needs Model; Identification of Needs by Experts Model, Comparative Needs Model; Discrepancy Model; Needs Identification through Review of Student Outcomes and School Operations and Outcomes; Needs Identified through Review of System Operations and Outcomes; and Resource Inventory Model. Appendices offers tips on the use of surveys and a list of additional resources on needs assessment. (Contains 27 references.) (SW)