Identifying research priorities for special education in light of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 using the modified Delphi method

Abstract

The study aimed to identify research priorities for special education in line with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, surveying opinions of experts from faculty members in special education departments of 21 universities, totaling 89 participants. The Delphi method was employed, with a survey comprising 40 items across four axes. Results, with an 85% consensus threshold, showed high agreement on the proposed research map, with a total consensus percentage of 94.71%. Prominent priorities included philosophical and methodological aspects (95.50% agreement) and cultural and social considerations (93.87% agreement). Most discussed priorities were inclusive education and associated issues, followed by research on services for people with disabilities and their evaluation, and finally, research on special education laws, legislation, and policies