Validation of the EPACODI-1 Scale: University Students' Perceptions of Inclusive Education

Area of Science:

• Education Policy
• Disability Studies
• Psychometrics

Background:

• International and national education reforms aim to meet UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) objectives.
• Spanish education law reflects these goals, necessitating an understanding of future educators' views on inclusive education.
• Articles 4.1.i and 24 of the CRPD specifically address inclusive education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the perceptions of graduating education professionals regarding inclusive education.
• To validate the EPACO-DI-1 instrument for measuring these perceptions.

Main Methods:

• Quantitative, confirmatory study utilizing multivariate factor analysis (CFA).
• Employed parallel estimation with ordinary least squares (OLS) and principal axes, using polychoric correlation and promax oblique rotation.
• Surveyed 552 fourth-year education students at the University of Murcia.

Main Results:

• The EPACO-DI-1 scale demonstrated consistent results.
• The study confirmed the validity of the EPACO-DI-1 scale.
• Findings indicate the scale effectively measures perceptions of inclusive education among professionals in training.

Conclusions:

• The EPACO-DI-1 scale is a valid tool for evaluating future educators' understanding of inclusive education principles.
• Results support the alignment of educational reforms with CRPD mandates.
• This research provides a reliable method for assessing readiness for inclusive educational practices.