This research brief by Child Trends (CT) is part of a resource library from CT designed for practitioners, policymakers, and researchers who want to transform K–12 school systems to best meet the needs of their communities. This particular brief focuses on how need sensing can be used to address systemic issues and support school transformation. Need sensing helps users identify how to address issues or challenges in their school system by collaborating with community members to learn about their needs. The brief walks school leaders through a step-by-step guide to using the need sensing framework and provides supportive resources such as a question bank to reflect on. Overall, need sensing helps build relationships and offers school leaders a mode for enacting sustainable, transformative change. This resource may also be helpful for leader preparation faculty and administrators looking to add to their curriculum.