I’ve conducted multiple gap analyses before, for various projects. Most analysis models follow the same framework in that they analyze the current state, then examine the desired future state, and last how to fill the gap, so to speak, between what is now, and what is wanted later.
I find it helpful to start with the visioning first, and exploring what is wanted, as opposed to focusing on what is current reality. The reason for starting at the desired state first, is that like in haggling for price at a dealership, the first one out the gate sets an anchor point from which all other discussion takes place, and is held to. Focusing on what is ideally wanted first allows a team to begin planning for success, as opposed to dealing with the current state and how to move forward. It’s a bit “pie in the sky” thinking, but opens up the possibilities to greater success when you start with what’s truly desired for success.
A helpful resource, and a quick read on something like this can be found here: https://www.lucidchart.com/blog/what-is-gap-analysis, but again, I find starting with the desired state is more helpful. Lucidchart, by the way, is an excellent tool in flowcharting, graphing, or otherwise dealing with data. I use it a lot!
In a process like this, with a small team, I like to use an affinity diagramming activity to flesh out what the future preferred state is. It’s very effective in setting the bar high, while not limiting the participants to preset categories.
Here’s a helpful resource on affinity diagramming, typically used in process improvement, Lean Six Sigma, and other quality initiatives: https://www.balancedscorecard.org/portals/0/pdf/affinity.pdf
Another helpful technique in examining what might be needed in terms of personnel growth, business growth, or just improvement as a school district is the SWOT analysis. SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. It’s a helpful model for any organization to further examine what might be needed in order to grow and improve in any area of operations.
Here’s a good place to get started with a SWOT analysis: https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newTMC_05.htm
I plan on using these two models to look deeper at the personnel and HR needs at Streetsboro Schools.