Indeed, the changes in education are a part of a larger paradigm shift that has affected many aspects of human thought and action in the twentieth century. The shift toward decentralized decision making and the provision of greater autonomy at the school level is part of an extensive paradigm shift in education today. The shift from the traditional paradigm to the evolving paradigm has brought about significant changes in educational theory and practice as illustrated in Figure 2. Figure 2 Teachers in Saskatchewan schools are faced with professional challenges that involve an ever-widening scope of responsibility. In addition to meeting educational objectives and helping students to attain a level of academic excellence, teachers are expected to address the needs of an increasingly heterogeneous student population.
Students entering the education system present many challenges to the teacher.
Differences in language proficiency, family constructs, cultural backgrounds, economic circumstances, and experiential background are but a few of the diversities for which adaptations must be made. These variations have the potential to enrich student learning and develop mutual respect among members of the class.