Canadian Parents for French launches major report on French second language education

The State of French second language education in Canada 2000, conceived as the first annual series of publications, will be launched in New Brunswick on August 23, 2000, 10:00 a.m. at the Wu Centre, Room 209, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton.  

This report is an in depth review and study undertaken by the CPF national office and the CPF branch offices in each province.  Gathering facts, figures and research into a comprehensive view of the current status of French second language (FSL) education, the report identifies areas of strength and areas for action at the national and provincial levels.  The focus of CPF's media launch on August 23 is the "State of FSL in New Brunswick."

Nearly 72,000 children in schools across New Brunswick study French as a second language, whether in French immersion programs or in core French classes.  They're supported in their learning by a complex ecosystem of organizations, ranging from the school itself, through school districts and the provincial department of education, to federal government programs.

The report, with a foreward by His Excellency John Ralston Saul, provides a structure for understanding the supports to FSL, a means of assessing those supports, and an assessment of the current system.  Criteria for success were organized into three main areas:  issues of enrolment, of quality, and of accountability.  Canadian Parents for French (CPF) hopes that this information will stimulate informed debate leading to a strengthening of FSL programs across the province.

"Canadian Parents for French believes that our Department of Education policymakers need a thorough understanding of the New Brunswick aspect of French second language education.  As the only officially bilingual province in Canada, we are responsible for setting an example to the rest of Canada and indeed, the world.  CPF is committed to providing our provincial decision makers with current, reliable information on the FSL climate in New Brunswick schools and school districts from the parental and student perspective, and pointing the way to action necessary to strengthening our New Brunswick FSL programs,"  said Joan Weinman, CPF New Brunswick president.

It is clear that the extraordinary work by national and provincial organizations over the past 35 years has enabled many citizens to learn both official languages as part of their education in the public school system.  Through consolidated action of the many participating organizations, more rapid progress can be made, so that New Brunswick students, wherever they live, can have equitable access to high quality FSL programs.

Attention, resources, and action are needed in several areas.  Among the most urgent problems identified by CPF New Brunswick Executive Director, Jane Keith are:

- actual and growing teacher shortages
- the need for more and better resources and methods that will enable French immersion students who are encountering difficulties to get the help they need while staying in the program
- the need for a totally transparent process of allocating funds in support of French second language learning

A recent national public opinion poll confirmed that New Brunswicker's consider learning both our official languages to be important and valuable.  The English speaking population surveyed showed strong, intense support for the value and importance of learning French as a second language.  In fact, the survey which was carried out in April 2000 by COMPAS Research of Ontario, found that 82% of Atlantic Canadians favour French immersion as the most successful program to learn a second language.  Eighty per cent saw French education for English students as being important, being part of a well-rounded education, and becoming bilingual as essential to a greater range of career options.

In New Brunswick, "The State of FSL" report is especially timely and important due to the current undertaking of our Department of Education to review Policy 309, the Policy which establishes guidelines for the provision of French Second Language programs in the province's schools.
 
 

Further information on the launch, copies of the report, background materials, and interviews with:

Ms. Joan Weinman, President, Canadian Parents for French, New Brunswick
Ms. Jane Keith, Executive Director, Canadian Parents for French, New Brunswick
Dr. Sally Rehorick, Director, Second Language Education Centre, Faculty of Education, University of New Brunswick.

The media is invited to attend the launch of this major report.