Consultation and Quality Assurance

Delphi Summary

DEVELOPING AND MAKING IMPROVEMENTS TO THE SCHOOLS PLUS PROFILE

By putting information about the Schools Plus Profile on the Internet and by explaining its purpose and use ensures that the processes used are as clear and accessible as possible. It is anticipated that there will be ongoing improvements to the School Plus Profile, Case Studies and processes.

Validation of the School Plus Profile – progress to date

The development of the Schools Plus Profile occurred during 2004 and early 2005. The method chosen for structuring the consultation process is referred to as the Policy Delphi Technique (Lindstone & Turoff, 1975). This method was chosen because it:

• Is designed to deal with problems where there is no fixed answer
• Is based on reaching a high level of consensus ( 80%) across a range of experts
• Combines expert opinion by facilitating the exchange of ideas and information
• Aims at producing detailed critical examination and discussion.
• Avoids forcing a quick compromise.

The Delphi process involved asking participants to respond to two statements and provide ratings as to the extent of agreement. Participants were drawn from a range of relevant personnel and stakeholders. Over 100 teachers, personnel from Curriculum, Inclusive Education Standards and Aboriginal Education Directorates, State-wide Specialist Services, therapists and support staff were surveyed.

The same two judgements will be asked for each of the 6 descriptive statements across all 11 dimensions of Schools Plus. All participants were asked if they agreed, disagreed or were unsure about the following statements:

1. The adjustment/intervention accurately reflects the things that a teacher needs to do to ensure that a student achieves learning outcomes
2. A wide range of teachers will understand the terminology of the adjustment/intervention

All participants were also asked to rate the accuracy of the continuum, one through to six, of each dimension in terms of the teaching and learning adjustments provided. A four point scale from “Very inaccurately” to “Very accurately” was given. Setting a high level of consensus (above 80%) was desirable. This level of agreement would mean that the majority of first time users would be able to recognise the language and use the School Plus Profile immediately.

All participants responded in private using a computer survey that was electronically submitted to independent researchers to collate the responses and provide a written report. The report indicated the areas that had reached the target degree of consensus (above 80%) and which areas required further refinement.

Results

Enclosed are the results of the first round of the Delphi process. Areas reaching less than 80% consensus will continue to be refined. (Click here for the results.)

Future directions

It is anticipated that the Schools Plus Profile and Case Studies be continuously improved through feedback of this type. The Schools Plus web site has been designed in such a way as to allow for feedback from teachers, other professionals and parents in future.