In order to seek clarification of instructional goal priorities, the Virginia Beach, Virginia, school division designed a comprehensive model for the assessment of instructional needs, described in this paper. The principal objectives of the needs assessment include (1) providing a mechanism for the systematic involvement of community residents (both parents and nonparents) in establishing educational priorities; (2) identifying instructional goal priorities commensurate with community concerns; and (3) assisting in the modification of existing instructional programs via participant feedback. The assessment model has five phases, which are planning, design, implementation, evaluation, and modification. (Author/DS)