April 2, 2008

“Canadian Parents for French, Alberta Branch and Chapters has felt it necessary to speak out in protest to the New Brunswick Legislature and those supporting the sweeping changes outlined towards French immersion in that province as well as the Canadian Rockies Public Schools in Canmore Alberta’s plan to place a cap on student enrollment in French Immersion,” stated Shannon Nelson of Grande Prairie, President of Canadian Parents for French, Alberta.

“We urge both parties to reconsider this course of action as we believe it is a path fraught with uncertainty and potentially damaging consequences. Clearly Intensive French provides a reasonable alternative to Core French; however there has not been enough time to really assess its benefits let alone replace a proven program with this “one size fits all” approach.” She added.

“Canadian Parents for French National Body has taken a strong stand against eliminating early French Immersion and replacing it with Intensive French.  CPF Alberta not only supports this position,” Nelson continued,  “but is also compelled to write on behalf of those students who have benefited and continue to benefit from early immersion.    We understand the problems you face with unsuccessful programs; your province is not alone.  However, we believe that there are other ways to resolve the issue of systemic inequality.

“An area of interest that Alberta CPF hopes to pursue is the idea of a “Language Portfolio” for students.  One of the components that I am personally excited about is the standard testing that is done through the French embassy.  Students in Edmonton and Grande Prairie have challenged this test and the results are quite encouraging.  The beauty of the test and the language portfolio is that it is for all students taking French, not just French immersion students.  The test follows the program of studies, and teachers have found it easy to incorporate into their classroom.  The DELF test is just one aspect of the “Language Portfolio”, but frankly I see this as a positive step in affirming that language acquisition is achievable at many levels. Personally, I think this is a great idea for the nation.  It would be thrilling to see New Brunswick as a leader in language acquisition rather than potentially defaulting to the lowest common denominator to achieve a mediocre standard of achievement,” Nelson pointed out.   

“I appreciate the fact that you care to improve education.  I encourage you to dig deep and create policies that incorporate the positive developments in language learning.  There is so much that could be achieved, if the approach is based on sound research,” Nelson concluded.