Enhancing Career Development Assessment for SEN Students: Psychometric Validation of the Career Maturity Inventory

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Saturday 8:00 am Four Seasons Ballroom 2-3
  In Roundtable Session: Transitioning to Adulthood: Career Readiness and Inclusion for Students With Disabilities (Table 11)

Abstract

There is a significant lack of validated tools to assess career maturity among students with Special Educational Needs (SEN). This study validated an adapted 16-item Career Maturity Inventory (CMI) for post-secondary SEN students using data from 34 students (predominantly male, aged 19-27). Exploratory factor analysis supported a two-factor model (career decision-making readiness and career choice consultation). Multidimensional Rasch analysis further validated this model. The adapted CMI-C is a reliable tool for tailoring career interventions for SEN students, consolidating the original dimensions into a higher-order factor of "career decision-making readiness." A positive correlation between career choice consultation and life satisfaction indicates that SEN students who tend to seek more consultation could be more satisfied with their life, a notable finding.

Authors

• Fengzhan Gao, Education University of Hong Kong

• Lan Yang, Education University of Hong Kong

• Kuen Fung Kenneth Sin, The Education University of Hong Kong