Guidance booklet for the classification of multifunctional resource rooms: guidelines for basic, intermediate and fully-equipped environments

Abstract

This study elaborated and validated a practical handbook for classifying Multifunctional Resource Rooms (SRMs) as basic, intermediate or complete, supporting school managers, teachers and families in the inclusive education of students with disabilities and high abilities. The methodology consisted of a needs diagnosis, a literature review, and a Delphi study with six specialists. Using a four-point Likert scale, the experts recorded full-agreement rates of 94.4% for content clarity, pertinence and layout adequacy, and 88.9% for practical applicability, resulting in an overall content-validity index of 93%, above the 80–90% benchmark commonly adopted in the literature. Qualitative feedback suggested minor refinements—enhancing conceptual explanations, adding numerical indicators, incorporating more reflective activities and offering accessible versions in Libras and audio. The pilot handbook proved clear, relevant, visually coherent and readily applicable, providing a structured route for the continuous improvement of SRMs in public schools in Northern Brazil. Future validations should involve specialists from all Brazilian macro-regions to broaden national representativeness.