Psychometric properties of the School Participation Questionnaire: Testing a measure of participation‐related constructs

Abstract

retest reliability, and Rasch model analysis of the School Participation Questionnaire (SPQ), a tool for teachers to assess personal and environmental determinants of school participation. Method: Teachers of children with additional support needs, including intellectual disability, autism, and learning difficulties completed measures. Data were collected using the SPQ and the Participation and Environment Measure for Children and Youth (PEM-CY). Test-retest and interrater reliability were assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Internal consistency was assessed with Cronbach's alpha. Concurrent and convergent validity were explored via correlations with the PEM-CY. Further psychometrics were examined using a Rasch model. Results: One hundred and eighty-seven children (136 [72.7%] male; mean age 9y [range 5y 6mo-12y 10mo, SD 2y]) were assessed by 67 teachers. Cronbach's alpha, test-retest, and interrater reliability were acceptable-excellent across each SPQ scale (alphas=0.89, 0.9, 0.94, 0.79; 0.61, 0.78, 0.62; interrater ICCs=0.85, 0.71, 0.90, 0.81). Concurrent and convergent validity were confirmed with significant positive correlations between SPQ and PEM-CY. After Mokken and Rasch model analysis, person and item reliability were good, and unidimensionality was confirmed. Mean administration time was 8.2 minutes.

Perspective Chapter: Rethinking Autism Assessment, Diagnosis, and Intervention within a Neurodevelopmental Pathway Framework

“…The School Participation Questionnaire [42] supports teachers to consider the ways a child participates and inclusive environmental supports in place to facilitate active engagement. Our literature review did not identify published or standardised neurodiversityaffirming assessment tools and we do not know of clinical guidelines which have reviewed or recommended such tools.…”

Participation‐related constructs and participation of children with additional support needs in schools

“…The SPQ draws on a novel conceptual framework of participation determinants in the school setting. [5][6][7] The questionnaire comprises four scales. The 'environment' scale (…”

“…6 Within-person processes interact with environments 2,3 and there may be differential influences of personal versus environmental determinants on different facets of participation. 7 Environment and within-person factors should therefore always be considered together. [2][3][4][5][6][7] Previous research has clustered around leisure or community participation in clinical samples.…”

“…7 Environment and within-person factors should therefore always be considered together. [2][3][4][5][6][7] Previous research has clustered around leisure or community participation in clinical samples. Yet children spend significant time in school, and a focus on participation here provides insights into needs and supports.…”

“…Multilevel linear mixed-effects regression models were used. We expected, on the basis of our previous research, [5][6][7] that participation would be associated with participation-related constructs (identity, competence, symptoms, and environment) while controlling for a range of confounding variables.…”