Restructuring Faculties of Education: State of the Nation, 4(2)

Abstract

Significant changes are occurring in faculties of education across Canada as institutions restructure to address financial constraints and the changing needs of the teaching profession. To understand the restructuring process, a cross-Canada study was implemented using a modified delphi. Findings indicate that education faculties and departments will be smaller with fewer staff and limited course offerings. Some universities are implementing specialized programs in an attempt to develop a niche for themselves, and others are focusing on certain areas of research to more effectively utilize their expertise and increase their capability to obtain grants. Overall, there are likely to be significantly fewer faculties and departments of education as institutions rationalize their programs. Organizations are also becoming more decentralized and professors are assuming more responsibilities while obtaining more control over program content. At the same time, institutions are granting more authority to external stakeholders in an attempt to develop programs more responsive and appropriate to local needs.