Validating Kohler’s taxonomy of transition programming 2.0 for youth students with disabilities in the Saudi Arabian context

Improving post-school outcomes for youth with disabilities requires coordinated, evidence-based transition programming grounded in culturally valid measurement frameworks. This study culturally adapted and psychometrically validated the Saudi Arabic version of the Taxonomy for Transition Programming 2.0 (KTTP 2.0) for application in Saudi special education settings. Employing a multi-phase cross-cultural adaptation design, the instrument underwent forward-back translation, expert content validation (11 experts), and cognitive interviews with five teachers, resulting in refinement from 163 to 132 items. The final version was administered to 172 special education teachers delivering transition services to students with disabilities. Confirmatory factor analyses were conducted using theory-driven, domain-representative parcels. Models were estimated in R (lavaan) with robust maximum likelihood (MLR) and full-information maximum likelihood to manage the small proportion of missing data. A correlated five-factor first-order model demonstrated good fit, χ²(67) = 117.87, CFI = .969, TLI = .958, RMSEA = .085, SRMR = .032, with strong standardized parcel loadings (λ =.77–.95). The second-order model also demonstrated good fit, χ²(72) = 128.18, CFI = .966, TLI = .956, RMSEA = .087, SRMR = .040, with robust higher-order loadings (λ =.887–.988). Reliability and convergent validity were supported (ω =.837–.948; CR =.843–.951; AVE =.634–.859), whereas discriminant validity was mixed, aligning with a coherent higher-order structure and substantial inter-domain covariance. Overall, the findings support the Arabic KTTP 2.0 as a reliable, structurally sound framework for transition program evaluation and improvement planning in Saudi Arabia. • The Arabic KTTP 2.0 demonstrated very strong internal consistency across all five domains. • Confirmatory factor analysis supported the intended hierarchical structure of the Saudi KTTP 2.0. • The Arabic KTTP 2.0 effectively assesses core transition programming domains within Saudi schools. • The scale demonstrated evidence of content, structural, convergent, and discriminant validity. • Findings support the Arabic KTTP 2.0 as a culturally appropriate measurement tool for Saudi Arabia.