Introduction

As schools have become increasingly diverse, the demands on teachers have changed accordingly. Many schools of education that prepare teachers now recognize that all teachers must have the skills, abilities, and attitudes necessary to teach heterogeneous groups of learners within their individual classrooms and schools. It is undisputed that teachers today are expected to be culturally sensitive and have the knowledge, skills, disposition, and commitment for teaching a wide range of children (Ladson-Billings, 1995; Holmes Group, 1990; Sleeter & Grant, 1999; Zeichner, 1993 & 1997). Both the popular press and professional literature are full of references to the increasing heterogeneity of schools and the need for teachers to teach to that diversity.