The Adaptive Dimension

The Adaptive Dimension is a provision in Core Curriculum that enables teachers to respond to diversity in the learning needs of students. It may be applied in all regular, modified and alternative education programs to accommodate individual students and maximize their learning.

The Adaptive Dimension in Core Curriculum (Saskatchewan Education, 1992) provides the conceptual framework and applications within the framework.

What can not be changed? The approved curriculum is the starting point for making decisions about adaptations. The Foundational Objectives (what is taught/facilitated) cannot be changed. If changes are required, we would call the course modified or alternative depending on the degree of change.

The purpose of this site is to assist teachers with refining their decision making for small groups of students or an individual student who require such diversity. This site provides teachers some information about choices, enables them to change the tasks, change the standard to be more or less challenging, and to provide the support (techniques, and suggested material) to be able to apply the adaptive dimension in their classrooms.

The Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation also addresses meeting the needs of exceptional children:

"The teacher shall deal justly, considerately and appropriately with each student."
"The teacher shall develop teaching practices that recognize and accommodate diversity within the classroom, the school and community."
The teacher shall seek to meet the needs of students by recognizing the most appropriate learning experiences for them."

You will be the teacher who makes a
profound positive difference in a student's life.