Development and validation of the Teaching for Sustainable Development Scale: a holistic approach to assessing teachers’ competencies in Education for Sustainable Developmen

Despite the considerable growth in the development of instruments assessing teachers within the framework of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), a comprehensive tool that addresses the cognitive, affective, and behavioural dimensions of classroom teaching for sustainable development in a holistic manner remains lacking. The present study developed and validated the Teaching for Sustainable Development Scale (TSuDeS) to assess teachers’ ESD teaching competences. Utilizing an exploratory sequential mixed-method design, the scale was administered to 652 teachers. Validity studies utilized the Content Validity Index for content, in conjunction with factor analyses for the construct, while reliability was determined via Cronbach’s alpha. The final three-dimensional scale exhibited acceptable model fit and high reliability. The TSuDeS provides a robust instrument for researchers and policymakers, supporting teacher training, professional development programs, and curriculum enhancement for ESD. Its application aligns with SDG 4.7, contributing to quality education and sustainability goals.