Canadian Parents for French - BC & Yukon FSL Education in BC - Challenges and Recommendations

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</table></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top"> <a class="menu" href="../../Other/FramePages/f_joinCPF.shtml" target="_top"> Join CPF</a></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top"> <a class="menu" href="../../Other/FramePages/f_sitemap.shtml" target="_top"> Site Map</a></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top"> <a class="menu" href="../../Other/FramePages/f_reachus.shtml" target="_top"> Contact Us</a></td> </tr> </table> </td> <td width="600px" valign="top" align="left"> <p> </p> <br> <h1>"French Second Language Education in British Columbia - Challenges and Recommendations"</h1> <h2>Presentation to the Senate Standing Committee on Official Languages</h2> <h3>Canadian Parents for French - BC & Yukon</h3> <h3>Melanie Tighe-Lovsin, President<br> Adrian Dix, Executive Director </h3> <p>Released: October 27, 2003</p> <p>This is a crucial period for French Second language education in British Columbia and Canada. In the next few months, the Federal and British Columbia governments will be re-negotiating the current agreement on Federal French funding in BC and a new agreement with respect to the Federal Action Plan on Official Languages. </p> <p>The Federal Action Plan on Official Languages sets out an ambitious goal for the next phase of Federal Funding for French second language education - to double the number of bilingual graduates in Canada. This is a goal we share at Canadian Parents for French. </p> <p>French Second Language education is a BC and Canadian success story. The 2002-03 school year set a new record for enrolment (31,990 students) in French Immersion programs across British Columbia. This year, we expect to break this record with close to 33,000 students enrolled in BC French Immersion programs. This represents a 20% increase in French Immersion students over five years during a period when overall enrolment was relatively stable.</p> <p>Second language education is mandated from Grade 5 to 8 in BC and more than 220,000 students are enrolled in Core French classes in our province.</p> <p>This past year, CPF chapters across BC worked hard to expand access to French Second language programs. As a result of these local efforts, new Early or Late French Immersion programs were created in six BC communities in one year - eight new programs over three years - representing the largest expansion in access since the 1980s.</p> <p>This brief deals exclusively with funding for French Second language education. We are strongly supportive of French First language education and the role of the Francophone School Board (CSF) in British Columbia. The success of francophone education gives strength and meaning to our efforts to support French Immersion and Core French education. We will leave it to the Francophone community to address the issues related to Francophone First Language programs.</p> <p>Our core message to you is as follows. French Immersion enrolment has real momentum in BC. The present French Funding model has helped to create this extraordinary success story. Our present model isn't broken and with increased accountability to parents, we can achieve even more. </p> <p>CPF-BC & Yukon believes that the Federal Action Plan monies will achieve their ends if we continue to direct support to French Immersion and Core French teachers and students via School Districts. We don't need new, grandiose programs, but more targeted resources in the classroom and in the regions.</p> <p>The recommendations contained in this brief are intended to guide you in your current negotiations. The Federal and Provincial governments can rest assured that CPF-BC & Yukon will continue to support our joint objectives in the coming years.</p> <h3>1. CPF in British Columbia and the Yukon - Making Linguistic Duality Happen in the Community.</h3> <p>Founded in 1977, Canadian Parents for French is the national network of volunteers dedicated to the promotion and creation of French second language learning opportunities for young Canadians. BC has by far more CPF members than any other province in Canada organized in 46 Chapters across British Columbia. Our present membership total of 5,400 represents more than a third of the individual CPF members in Canada. Our largest chapter per capita is in Prince Rupert. Our largest chapter overall is in Burnaby. The largest French Immersion program per capita is in Campbell River. CPF's strength in BC is its strong community base. </p> <p>In the 2002-03 school year, CPF-BC & Yukon staff, parents and volunteers organized or helped organize 127 socio-cultural events, 8 summer camps and 78 information sessions for parents, made 42 presentations to school districts, issued over 100 Provincial and local media releases, offered 36 post-secondary scholarships to French Second Language students, held 270 Chapter and Branch regular meetings across 46 chapters and managed eight major partnerships with Francophone organizations. We have also established local and provincial partnerships with corporations such as BC Gas, Alcan, Tembec, Abitibi and BC Hydro. Our 5,400 members contributed some 75,000 volunteer hours to this effort.</p> <p>Why is CPF-BC & Yukon so strong? French Immersion is a "local option" program in BC. The programs exist because parents fought for them and made them happen. There are presently 46 communities in BC (plus Whitehorse) with French Immersion programs. Canadian Parents for French Chapters made them happen. As of this September after the breakthroughs of last year, 41 communities in BC have Early French Immersion (EFI) programs, 26 have Late French Immersion (LFI) programs and 20 have both. </p> <p>CPF Chapters are focused on establishing new Early and Late French Immersion programs in communities that do not presently have either program or have just one entry point. These efforts are the principal means by which new programs are created and involve intense local advocacy efforts. </p> <div class="indent2"> <TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=2 CELLPADDING=2 width="90%"> <TR> <TD VALIGN="TOP"> </TD> <Th VALIGN="TOP"> BC Communities with Early French Immersion</Th> <Th VALIGN="TOP"> BC Communities with Late French Immersion</Th> <Th VALIGN="TOP"> BC School Districts with both Early and Late French Immersion</Th> </TR> <TR> <TD VALIGN="TOP"> <b>2004-05</b> (based on current proposals)</TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 42</TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 30</TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 24</TD> </TR> <TR> <TD VALIGN="TOP"> <b>2003-04</b></TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 41</TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 26</TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 20</TD> </TR> <TR> <TD VALIGN="TOP"> <b>2002-03</b></TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 39</TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 23</TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 17</TD> </TR> <TR> <TD VALIGN="TOP"> <b>2001-02</b></TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 39</TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 22</TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 16</TD> </TR> <TR> <TD VALIGN="TOP"> <b>2000-01</b></TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 39</TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 21</TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 15</TD> </TR> </TABLE> </div> <p>For example, in New Westminster, we recently succeeded in establishing a new Early French Immersion program for September 2003. Until now, the community only had a LFI option. Our Executive Director and other CPF volunteers attended and often led 28 local meetings, produced a dozen press releases, three briefs, 14 newsletters, prepared questionnaires for the School District elections and had more than 20 one on one meetings with elected and non-elected school officials. Such campaigns are typical of the advocacy efforts that have made CPF a community force in BC and in the Yukon.</p> <p>The Chapter and Branch succeeded in convincing the School District to establish the program. The registration line-up that resulted was covered by all five television networks in BC and made headlines in the provincial print dailies. 100 children will be enrolled this fall as a result of this effort. It is important to note that without Federal Funding and provincial support, a point we repeatedly made to the media, this would not have been possible in difficult fiscal times.</p> <p>CPF-BC & YK volunteers also work hard to ensure that Federal French funds are properly used. In many School Districts, CPF parents serve on French Advisory Committees that oversee the expenditures of these monies. In other districts where accountability issues exist, we advocate to ensure resources are properly spent and that some measure of transparency exists. We work closely with Provincial Officials to see that this happens. </p> <h3>2. French Immersion and Core French in BC & the Yukon - A Review of the Issues</h3> <h4>Access and Program Growth - Action Plan and Funding Objectives</h4> <p>The Federal Action Plan proposes to double the number of bilingual graduates from Canadian high schools by 2013. There are only a few possible routes to this end; (1) Increasing the number of French Immersion programs in BC, in particular Late French Immersion programs since today's new Early French Immersion students will not graduate until 2013; (2) supporting the Francophone school system and encouraging eligible students to choose this option; (3) reducing attrition rates in French Immersion and Francophone schools at the secondary level (4) developing Core French options that might conceivably lead to bilingualism by Grade 12 and (5) increasing enrolment in existing FI programs.</p> <p>Under the present agreement and through our combined efforts French Immersion enrolment has been growing dramatically in recent years and is expected to continue to increase as large entry classes at Kindergarten, Grade 1 and Grade 6 work their way through the school system. </p> <div class="indent2"> <h4>Public School and French Immersion Enrolment Numbers - 1999-2003 - Province of British Columbia.</h4> <TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=2 CELLPADDING=2 width="90%"> <TR> <Th VALIGN="TOP"> School Year</Th> <Th VALIGN="TOP"> Total Number of Students in BC</Th> <Th VALIGN="TOP"> French Immersion Students</Th> <Th VALIGN="TOP"> Total Number of Kindergarten and Grade 1 students – BC</Th> <Th VALIGN="TOP"> French Immersion Students – Kindergarten and Grade 1</Th> <Th VALIGN="TOP"> K-1 French Immersion Students as % of the Total Student Pop.</Th> </TR> <TR> <TD VALIGN="TOP"> <b>2002-03</b></TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 623,344</TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 31,990</TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 77,630</TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 6,807</TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 8.8%</TD> </TR> <TR> <TD VALIGN="TOP"> <b>2001-02</b></TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 632,024</TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 31,136</TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 80,814</TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 6,490</TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 8.0%</TD> </TR> <TR> <TD VALIGN="TOP"> <b>2000-01</b></TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 634,555</TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 30,423</TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 82,942</TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 6,216</TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 7.5%</TD> </TR> <TR> <TD VALIGN="TOP"> <b>1999-00</b></TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 637,724</TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 29,979</TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 84,311</TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 5,962</TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 7.2%</TD> </TR> </TABLE> <h5>Source: BC Ministry of Education</h5> </div> <p>This growth in French Immersion enrolment reflects the growing popularity of the program across the province. It represents an increase of 864 students over last year (also a record year), and an increase of 2,011, or 6.7% over three years. <b>These increases in French Immersion enrolment have taken place while the overall student population in BC has dropped.</b> Most significantly, the number of French Immersion students in Kindergarten and Grade 1, the most important entry points for FI programs, have increased over three years from 5,962 to 6,807 or more than 14%. This indicates that enrolment will continue to climb as these increases in registration for French Immersion work their way through the school system in the coming years.</p> <p>(The Francophone School Board in BC has some 2,800 students, spread across the Province. We are working closely with them on a variety of joint initiatives, including the creation of bilingual post-secondary services in BC to serve our respective communities.) </p> <p>French Immersion enrolment will grow even more in 2003-04 as will be evident once the Province releases its statistical analysis later this year. With six new programs and increasing interest in existing EFI and LFI entry points, we expect enrolment numbers to approach 33,000 this year.</p> <p>French Immersion students are spread throughout British Columbia. The smaller proportion of French Immersion students in the Interior and North and in the Kootenays reflects a number of districts that have a program in one community, but have no French Immersion students in another community within the district. For example, there is a program in Cranbrook but not in Fernie/Sparwood/Elkford, there is a program in Prince George but not yet in Mackenzie, a program in Golden but not in Kimberley, a program in Castlegar but not in Trail/Fruitvale/Rossland. </p> <p>The following tables reflect the evolution of French Immersion regional enrolment over two years from 1999 to 2001. They show that in every region, the proportion of FI students is on the rise. The 2002 numbers will show <b>an even more dramatic push in the Interior, Vancouver Island and the Kootenays as FI enrolment numbers grow and the effects of overall declining enrolment are felt in the public school system</b>. For example in terms of overall enrolment, Quesnel has the fastest growing French Immersion program in Canada but also lost almost 200 students overall this year. Declining enrolment is having a profound effect on the quality of education throughout rural British Columbia. </p> <div class="indent2"> <h5>Table 2 - French Immersion Enrolment by Region - British Columbia - September 30, 1999</h5> <TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=2 CELLPADDING=2 width="90%"> <TR> <TD VALIGN="TOP"> </TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP"> <B>Vancouver Island</B></TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP"> <B>Lower Mainland</B></TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP"> <B>Fraser Valley</B></TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP"> <B>Okanagan</B></TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP"> <B>Interior and North</B></TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP"> <B>Kootenays</B></TD> </TR> <TR> <TD VALIGN="TOP"> <B>FI Enrolment</B></TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 5843</TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 14,422</TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 2737</TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 3698</TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 2507</TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 771</TD> </TR> <TR> <TD VALIGN="TOP"> <B>Total Enrolment (SDs with program)</B></TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 99,274</TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 265,293</TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 59,189</TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 70,628</TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 64,665</TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 24,216</TD> </TR> <TR> <TD VALIGN="TOP"> <B>% of Students in FI within region (SDs with program)</B></TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 5.9%</TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 5.5%</TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 4.6%</TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 5.2%</TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 3.9%</TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 3.2%</TD> </TR> </TABLE> <h5>Table 3 - French Immersion Enrolment by Region - British Columbia - September 30. 2001</h5> <TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=2 CELLPADDING=2 width="90%"> <TR> <TD VALIGN="TOP"> </TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP"> <B>Vancouver Island</B></TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP"> <B>Lower Mainland</B></TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP"> <B>Fraser Valley</B></TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP"> <B>Okanagan</B></TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP"> <B>Interior and North</B></TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP"> <B>Kootenays</B></TD> </TR> <TR> <TD VALIGN="TOP"> <B>FI Enrolment</B></TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 6102</TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 15005</TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 3073</TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 3697</TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 2514</TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 745</TD> </TR> <TR> <TD VALIGN="TOP"> <B>Total Enrolment (SDs with program)</B></TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 96,645</TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 269,224</TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 59,891</TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 68,824</TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 60,869</TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 22,681</TD> </TR> <TR> <TD VALIGN="TOP"> <B>% of Students in FI within region (SDs with program)</B></TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 6.3%</TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 5.6%</TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 5.1%</TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 5.4%</TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 4.1%</TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 3.3%</TD> </TR> </TABLE> <h5>Table 3 - French Immersion Enrolment by Region - British Columbia - September 30. 2002</h5> <TABLE BORDER CELLSPACING=2 CELLPADDING=2 width="90%"> <TR> <TD VALIGN="TOP"> </TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP"> <B>Vancouver Island</B></TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP"> <B>Lower Mainland</B></TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP"> <B>Fraser Valley</B></TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP"> <B>Okanagan</B></TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP"> <B>Interior and North</B></TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP"> <B>Kootenays</B></TD> </TR> <TR> <TD VALIGN="TOP"> <B>FI Enrolment</B></TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 6267</TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 15646</TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 3103</TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 3637</TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 2574</TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 763</TD> </TR> <TR> <TD VALIGN="TOP"> <B>Total Enrolment (SDs with program)</B></TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 95,287</TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 268,629</TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 59,614</TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 67,385</TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 57,774</TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 21,969</TD> </TR> <TR> <TD VALIGN="TOP"> <B>% of Students in FI within region (SDs with program)</B></TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 6.6%</TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 5.8%</TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 5.2%</TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 5.4%</TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 4.5%</TD> <TD VALIGN="TOP" align="center"> 3.5%</TD> </TR> </TABLE> </div> <p>CPF chapters are actively engaged in local campaigns to start new Early or Late French Immersion programs in the following communities: Salmon Arm (LFI), (EFI), Terrace (LFI), Whitehorse (LFI), Smithers (LFI), Dawson Creek (LFI), Cranbrook (LFI), Ladysmith (EFI), Pitt Meadows (LFI), Williams Lake (LFI), Kamloops (LFI), 100 Mile House (LFI), Princeton (EFI), Fraser Lake (EFI) and Kitimat (LFI). </p> <p>Our provincial advocacy campaigns to establish new programs are critical to achieving the goal of doubling the number of bilingual graduates in BC and in the Yukon. New Late French Immersion programs also help secure existing programs at the secondary level.</p> <p>Under the present Federal/BC French Funding agreement, School Districts across BC received $5,696,579 last year in nine funding categories. This agreement has been essential to the survival and growth of French Immersion programs in BC and the Yukon. The announcement of incremental monies has been well received during a period when dollars are tight at all levels of government. </p> <p>It is our understanding that this new money, which could represent (roughly taking the new monies for French Second language and multiplying it by BC/YK's share of the population) $18 million on top of the existing OLEP agreement.</p> <p>Depending on how much of this money is directed to School Districts and classrooms, this could mean a 40-80% increase in funding at the local level.</p> <p>With the strong commitment of the Province in terms of programs of choice, we believe that an even a greater share of Federal Funding could come to BC and the Yukon. There is enormous grassroots support and interest in French Second language education in BC. The overall levels of participation historically however, are lower than in other jurisdictions. This means that new investment has potentially greater rewards for the Federal government in terms of new bilingual graduates.</p> <p>Moreover, if the Federal and BC governments can move quickly to agree on priorities in BC, the province could benefit from greater resources and build on our existing momentum.</p> <p>French Immersion and Core French classrooms are not inherently more expensive than any other classrooms as long as they meet district/provincial averages for class size as all students would otherwise be in class somewhere in the public school system. All that is required is a classroom and a teacher with the difference being the language of instruction. Federal funding does assist with extra resources, learning assistance and other costs required to maintain FI programs.</p> <p>As a practical matter, the use of French funding differs substantially in urban and rural communities in BC and the Yukon. In urban BC, where School Districts offer multiple programs, at different schools, French funding is required to add to program quality. It supports extracurricular activities, library books, teacher recruitment, program support and learning assistance. With almost 2,000 students for example, the Richmond program where Minister Dion made his announcement can ensure that classrooms are full. Many districts are suffering from a lack of French-speaking substitute teachers (making student progress hugely dependent on the health of individual teachers) and face challenges in communities with high English Second-language populations.</p> <p>In rural BC and in small districts, Federal Funding ensures the very survival of French Immersion. In some communities with high percentages of FI students, declining rural populations are making it very difficult to maintain class sizes at the secondary level. The result is that rural School Districts, most of which are deeply in deficit, are threatening to close successful programs. Here, the incremental Federal funding is critical to ensure program survival and to offer new programs such as Late French Immersion in communities where it does not exist. Essentially, Federal funding is needed to subsidize smaller class sizes.</p> <p>A great example of this is the Coast Mountain School District in Northwest BC. The District has three separate small FI programs in Terrace, Kitimat and Hazelton. The communities are far apart and there is little capacity to share resources. The District does not receive extra funding for this. The program in Hazelton, the smallest community in Western Canada, is perhaps the most remarkable French second language educational experience in Canada. It has the highest enrolment per capita in Western Canada, committed parents and teachers and a unique model.</p> <p>In order to find sufficient students to establish a program in a community with a high Aboriginal population, CPF-Hazelton worked with Gitxskan leaders. The result is that every student in the program - and an astonishing 40% of students are aboriginal - not only studies French but also takes two hours per week of Giskannix language and culture. This is an education program bringing a community together. When it comes to bilingualism and cultural understanding, Hazelton is ahead of Ottawa!</p> <p>The Federal Government has made linguistic duality and increasing the number of bilingual graduates a top priority. The Province has made choice in education and rural schools a top priority. Neither jurisdiction can lose sight of Hazelton, Quesnel, Mackenzie and other communities during the negotiations for the next French funding agreement.</p> <p>Yet, before the Action Plan money flows, mostly starting in September 2004, we may lose this program because the School District cannot afford to subsidize it further. The Coast Mountain School District is very supportive of French Immersion but may be forced to abandon it at the secondary level if action is not taken soon. Ensuring that some of this new money goes to maintaining access in every corner of our province will be key to achieving the objective of bilingual graduates in the future.</p> <p>In the many communities, noted earlier, where CPF is working to set up new programs, Federal Funding dedicated to Immersion and program growth could be an important incentive. In every brief, we note to School Districts that they are missing the opportunity of receiving funds by not extending FI programs. Without this funding, we would not have succeeded this year in Quesnel, New Westminster, Terrace, Vernon, Williams Lake, 100 Mile House and perhaps several other communities. If we get the incentives right, this program can grow further. </p> <h4>Core French Program Quality</h4> <p>While French Immersion programs are booming in BC, Core French program quality is suffering. A second language, usually French, is mandatory for all students in the regular program between Grades 5 and 8. Indeed, this lack of quality instruction is where the current French language teacher shortage is most keenly felt.</p> <p>Further, some districts such as Saanich and the Yukon, give priority to Core French including it in the curriculum starting in Grade 1. Most districts however, do the minimum.</p> <p>The current Core French program does not always meet the needs of BC students. Only 14% of Grade 8 Core French students go on to graduate with French 12. Only 39% of Grade 8 Core French students take French 11. The lack of bilingual language teachers at the elementary level, frequently means that teachers with limited knowledge of French teach FSL elementary programs. These teachers usually are highly skilled, but the challenges they face are considerable. Finally, some universities have stopped using French and other languages as a prerequisite for entrance, a decision that undermines the value of language education. </p> <p>Our school system in the 21st Century needs to give more priority to language education. In an age when knowing more than one language is essential, an unsatisfactory Core French system may be turning students off the study of French and other languages. The BC Language Coordinators Association has noted that in order to develop functional bilingualism, 1,500 hours of second language study are required. At present, students get approximately 240 hours of study in French from Grade 5 to Grade 8.</p> <p>CPF is advocating provincial policies to increase the number of hours and the number of required years of Core French. As a practical matter, until we get more trained teachers, this may be an unrealistic goal. </p> <h4>Federal Funding Accountability</h4> <p>Accountability in the expenditure of French Second language dollars is an important issue for Canadian Parents for French. All School Districts must complete an evaluation form to the Province each year to account for their expenditures under the nine current funding categories.</p> <p>Aside from the evaluation and the effective spot audits conducted by the Ministry of Education, the main groups policing the agreements are local CPF parent-volunteers and chapters. And while stories of "French Immersion basketball hoops" are largely apocryphal, there are many cases of concern as to how specific monies are spent in any given year.</p> <p>This is not in any way to criticize School Districts who face many other challenges and with very rare exceptions act in good faith. However, Federal French Funding is a relatively small part of their business, and for some, it is not a priority. Moreover, due to funding pressures, many school districts have eliminated or reduced Language Coordinator positions and have no single person designated to support and manage programs with multiple entry points and locations.</p> <p>It should be noted that the outstanding staff of the French Programs Unit of the BC Ministry of Education have been very forceful in pursuing these issues with us and on our behalf. The BC Government has, especially since 2001, been very helpful and put real pressure on School Districts to account for expenditures. </p> <p>The most successful School Districts in getting the most of their Federal funds are those that have established French Advisory Committees involving administration, CPF, other parents, teachers and students. We believe the creation of such committees in each school district will go a long way in ensuring adequate accountability at the local level.</p> <p>With French Funding going up and regular education funding going down, accountability will be an increasing challenge over the next five years. Both levels of government should expect enhanced accountability as public investment in FSL grows with the renewal of the existing agreement and the advent of the Dion Plan. </p> <h4>Bussing</h4> <p>Under BC provincial rules, French Immersion programs are viewed as district-wide local choice programs and there is no automatic access to School bussing to a French Immersion program. Some districts give FI students access to their bus system. However, several districts have eliminated any bussing access for French Immersion students. This makes it particularly difficult for students with single parents who must work and/or older high school students without cars to stay in the FI program.</p> <h4>Teacher Training and Shortages</h4> <p>There is no greater challenge for French Immersion, Core French and other language programs than the current and growing teacher shortage in the language arts. Without qualified teachers, these programs cannot grow. Indeed, it will be a challenge to maintain them at present levels. This represents a critical issue for CPF-BC and Yukon and for the public education system. Without a comprehensive response, the teacher shortage will threaten program choice, accessibility and quality not just in French Second Language education but in other language options available in British Columbia as well. </p> <p>Consider the following: </p> <ul class="indent1"> <li>The teacher shortage is already felt in BC. In a recent survey of BC School Districts, fully two-thirds anticipate a major crisis by 2005. Every school district with a French Immersion program faces an annual challenge in recruiting qualified teachers;</li> <li>According to a study by the Canadian Teachers' Federation, 45% of current teachers will be in a position to retire by 2008;</li> <li>Increasing elementary French Immersion populations will require more Secondary French Immersion teachers every year until at least 2006;</li> <li>The supply of qualified Core French teachers is already low. The quality of instruction of Core French as a result, particularly at the elementary level, is inadequate. </li> </ul> <p>In short, this issue requires the urgent attention of the entire education community. It has always been a priority for CPF-BC & Yukon. Our organization has provided scholarships over the last 15 years to BC students training to become French Immersion teachers.</p> <p>It is not of course all bad news. The growing number of French Immersion graduates represents a potentially important source of future French Second Language teachers. The quality of life in our province continues to attract teachers from throughout the French-speaking world. </p> <p>We recognize the work currently undertaken by the Consortium on Teacher Supply and Demand to assess and respond to issues of teacher supply in British Columbia. However, this issue for French Second Language Education requires a full and urgent response. </p> <h4>Post-Secondary Education</h4> <p>British Columbia is lacking in post-secondary options in French. Unlike Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, there is no university level French-only or bilingual university program in our province. This presents a major dilemma for students in French Immersion, Core French and the Programme Francophone if they wish to pursue their post-secondary studies in French. </p> <p>In the fall of 2000, with the support of the BC and Federal Governments, the Fédération des Francophones de la Colombie-Brittanique undertook a major survey of Programme Francophone and French Immersion students to assess the demand for a bilingual or French-only faculty attached to a university in British Columbia. (2000 French Immersion and 75 Programme Francophone students responded to the survey.) The study noted that, of those Grade 10, 11 and 12 students who planned to go on to post-secondary studies, a full 88% planned to attend college or university in British Columbia. 24% of Grade 10-12 FI students would be interested in a French-only post-secondary program if it were offered in BC. 42% would be interested in a bilingual program.</p> <p>The SFU proposal for a bilingual program would fill this important gap in BC in a cost-efficient way.</p> <p>CPF is also strongly supporting the effort by Educacentre to establish a bilingual community college in BC. Such a college, serving the Francophone and Francophile communities will ensure a full range of options in French for BC students. </p> <h4>French Immersion Program Quality and Secondary Attrition</h4> <p>There are wide variations in the options and hours of French in French Immersion programs across BC and the Yukon. This is usually related to the availability of specialist teachers at the secondary level. We are also seeking some standardized testing of FI students to review the level of French performance in our program.</p> <p>Secondary attrition has leveled off in recent years in BC. However, it remains a key indicator of program quality. (For example, districts such as Saanich and Okanagan Skaha have specific policies that address attrition and have very low rates.)</p> <p>A number of National and Provincial research projects have studied the issue of secondary school FI attrition. According to these studies, contributing factors include: lack of variety in course work, heavy work load, a forced choice between continuing in French Immersion or enrolling in other programs of choice, a perception that marks are lower in French, the lack of a post-secondary French language option in British Columbia and an unwillingness to travel to a more distant secondary school.</p> <p>If we are going to increase the number of bilingual graduates, reducing current levels of attrition is an important means to achieving our goal. (Aside from increasing enrolment and program accessibility, it is virtually the only way.) </p> <h4>Caps on Enrolment</h4> <p>CPF-BC & Yukon Chapters have succeeded in lifting caps on French Immersion enrolment in ten School Districts over the past three years. However, there continue to be many districts that place enrolment limits on programs. These are local issues. Again, linking funding in some way to accessibility, would greatly aid us in increasing enrolment levels.</p> <h4>French Extracurricular Programs</h4> <p>This is the bread and butter of CPF. Clearly, any increase in the support for exchanges and for other opportunities for students to use their French outside of class will receive strong support from our members. CPF parents often get involved in fundraising and organizing our many events and may have questions and/or comments on the value of exchanges and local French language events.</p> <h3>3. Recommendations for renewed agreements.</h3> <p>The primary goals of our proposals to the Federal and Provincial Government should be as follows and in order of importance:</p> <ol class="indent2"> <li>To ensure universal access to high quality French Immersion and Core French programs across British Columbia;</li> <li>To double the number of bilingual graduates from BC High Schools by 2013.</li> <li>To ensure an adequate supply of FSL teachers to meet the growing demands for programs;</li> <li>To offer a variety of post-secondary programs in both Official Languages in BC post-secondary institutions;</li> <li>To build a close partnership based on respect of differences between French Second language and French First language students, parents and teachers.<br> </li> </ol> <p>Clearly, the first and second goals are closely linked. The second is the main goal for the French language education aspects of the Dion Plan. Most of our proposals will focus on these two points.</p> <p>Appendix 1 illustrates how we can use the following recommendations to double the number of French Immersion graduates by 2013.</p> <p>We also support the enhancements announced by the Federal Government to the Summer Language Bursary Program, the Official Languages Monitor Program and Exchanges Canada. </p> <h4>Recommendation 1 - Canada-BC French Funding Renewal</h4> <p><i>The current funding formula with nine funding categories that support program growth and rural communities should be maintained intact with two amendments;</i></p> <ol class="indent2"> <li> <i>The creation of a new category for districts with multiple French Immersion community locations. This proposal would benefit School District 27, 82 and 91 and potentially other School Districts presently considering the addition of new programs such School District 5 (Fernie), School District 57 (Mackenzie), School District 68 (Ladysmith), School District 91 (Fraser Lake), School District 58 (Princeton).</i></li> <li><i>Under the present Federal French funding formula for BC, a district qualifies for a Learning Assistance grant of $10,500 for small communities if it has less than 250 FTE students enrolled. We seek an amendment to this formula to provide this funding to School Districts with multiple communities who have less than 250 FTE students in one or more of those communities</i> </li> </ol> <p><b><i>How it links with major Federal and Provincial initiatives?</i></b></p> <p>This will sustain and support French Immersion programs in smaller communities and provide a small incentive to start new ones (particularly Late French Immersion). It will also serve to expand choice in rural School Districts, a strong commitment of the Province.</p> <h5>Discussion</h5> <p>School District 27, 82 and 91 contain some of BC's most popular and vulnerable French Immersion programs (18% of eligible students attend in Hazelton, highest in the province). These changes are justified in that these FI programs would be eligible for significantly more funding if they were each located in their own school district. The programs are far enough apart that there are few economies of scale. And finally, the Burns Lake, Vanderhoof, Williams Lake, 100 Mile House, Terrace, Kitimat and Hazelton programs may be the most vulnerable to closure or reduction in BC. </p> <p>These funding changes would also provide an incentive for several other rural school districts to offer French Immersion programs in secondary communities, enhancing our goal of ensuring universality of access. As well, School Districts such as Bulkley Valley only offer French Immersion through Grade 9 due to low numbers. </p> <h4>Recommendation 2 - Dion Plan Resources</h4> <p><i>We recommend that Dion Plan French Second language monies be distributed primarily to School Districts in order to enhance access and support for French Immersion and Core French programs. At least 80% of Dion Plan monies in BC (roughly $4 million) should go directly to French Second language programs through School Districts.</i></p> <p><i>New monies should be used to enhance in particular the current Immersion Growth budgets to support districts with growing programs, library grants and learning assistance grants. In addition, we wish to see the following five supplementary funding categories to the existing French funding system. The intent is to provide appropriate incentives for School Districts to support universal access to French Immersion and enhance programs growth.</i> </p> <ol class="indent2"> <li><i>A Small Communities fund to be provided to all districts with less than 6,500 total students. (An exception would be made for districts with several programs in different communities.) Last year, there were 18 districts in this category. Districts currently without programs would have access to this funding if they chose to launch a program. This fund would be distributed based on secondary programs (they must go to Grade 12), enrolment growth and the creation of new Early or Late French Immersion entry points.</i></li> <li><i>A New Programs Fund for Districts starting new French Immersion programs or adding programs in communities within a district that are not presently served by programs. New programs would receive maximum funding in the first year, 75% of maximum in the second year and 50% of maximum in the third year. This includes incremental funding for districts whose FI programs currently stop at Grade 10.</i></li> <li><i>A Core French Growth fund to encourage districts to offer FSL programs prior to Grade 5, and to reward districts who increase the Core French population after Grade 9.</i></li> <li><i>An enhanced Core French Supply budget to provide additional teacher and language training to Core French teachers across the province.</i></li> <li><i>A transportation grant available to districts that provide reasonable access to bussing for out-of-catchment area French Immersion students.</i> </ol> <p><b><i>How it links with Federal and Provincial Initiative?</i></b></p> <p>These measures focus Federal Funding incentives on program growth. Again, the priority of sustaining universal access with support to rural districts is a key element. This funding will have its primary impact there. Finally, the transportation grants will respond to an emerging crisis for some French Immersion programs, maintaining and enhancing enrolment.</p> <h5>Discussion</h5> <p>This recommendation reflects the view that Dion Plan monies should primarily enhance current Federal French funding to School Districts. This is the single best way to achieve the desired results (as long as there is adequate accountability). The small communities and new programs funds will greatly encourage our efforts to implement new entry points for French Immersion in existing programs and establish programs in the few remaining viable communities without them. </p> <p>The new program categories targeted at Core French could be used to implement some form of Extended or Intensive Core in School Districts and to address training and supply issues. </p> <p>The transportation grant is the number one priority for many CPF chapters, particularly on Vancouver Island. The lack of transportation options makes the decision to enroll in FI programs an economic challenge for some, particular single parent families and can be a huge deterrent to enrolment. </p> <h4>Recommendation 3 - Accountability and Best Practices</h4> <ol class="indent2"> <li><i>As most Federal funding goes to School Districts, accountability is most effectively implemented at the local level. As a condition of receiving Federal funding, School Districts must establish a local French Advisory Committee (FAC) to review semi-annually the expenditure of French dollars. The Committee could be based on several existing French Advisory Committees (Such as Abbotsford, Maple Ridge, Nelson, North Vancouver, Saanich, Sooke and Surrey. See attached document on FACs). Decisions on the make-up and governance of these committees could be made locally but each committee should have representatives of trustees, administration, teachers and parents (CPF and DPAC) and should meet a minimum of twice a year.</i></li> <li><i>At the Provincial level, the Government should set up a Provincial Advisory Committee to review the success of Federal-Provincial French Funding. (Both First and Second language.) The Committee would be made up of:<br> <ul class="indent1"> <li>Ministry of Education Staff (2)</li> <li>Representatives of Canadian Parents for French (2)</li> <li>Representatives of French teachers (2)</li> <li>Representative of post-secondary Faculties of Education (1)</li> <li>Representatives of the CSF (2)</li> <li>Representatives of the Francophone Parents Association (2)</li> <li>Representative of School Districts (2).</li> </ul> </i> <p><i>The Committee will review reports on expenditures, share information and success stories and establish and measure performance indicators for success.</i></p> <p><i>The role of the Committee is not to police French funding, but to make recommendations, measure success and establish and communicate "best practices." </i></p> <p><i>The Committee would meet twice a year in person.</i></p> </li> <li> <p><i>At the National Level, an Advisory Council on Official Language Education. The details of such a proposal will be considered and recommended by CPF-National but might be based on the National Health Council model agreed to recently by First Ministers.</i><br> </p> </li> </ol> <p><b><i>How it links with Federal and Provincial Initiatives?</i></b></p> <p>Concerns about accountability for the expenditure of new Federal French funding is an important priority for Ottawa in these discussion. By empowering communities to ensure accountability, they are able to pursue priorities outside of their jurisdiction. For the Province, these accountability mechanisms expand on their existing reform initiatives to empower parents and communities.</p> <h5>Discussion</h5> <p>The Provincial Advisory Council model is based on the National Health Council, approved by first ministers earlier this year and Ministers of Health in September. However, it is important to acknowledge that we are not overseeing billions of dollars as in the health agreements. The entire funding envelope over four years in BC is likely to be $40 million. We need mechanisms that work, are seen as positive but do not take up too much time or effort.</p> <p>The focus on ensuring local FAC could be a key recommendation here. This will give CPF a seat at the table in School Districts and renewed insight into the expenditure of Federal Funds. However, there is a concern with overburdening parents. </p> <p>With the elimination of the majority of Language Coordinator positions, the previous key source of accountability, these local bodies are essential for the success and recognition of French programs in districts.</p> <p>The Federal and Provincial Councils will not as noted be primarily policing bodies, though they will be a forum to review concerns. There is little consultation between School Districts as to the expenditure of Federal French funds. The Provincial and National Advisory Councils could become forums for the establishment of best practices in French language education. </p> <h4>Recommendation 4 - Teacher Shortage</h4> <i> <p>CPF-BC & Yukon recommends that a portion of the Canada-BC French Funding be assigned to address the growing teacher shortage in language education. A plan, to be developed in consultation with the Immersion Coalition, School Districts and Faculties of Education must be developed to address the growing teacher shortage. The plan should have the following elements:</p> </i> <ul class="indent1"> <li><i>Implementation of the SFU proposal for a Bilingual Faculty including an increase in the number of Immersion teachers.</i></li> <li><i>A publicity campaign directed to current and past Francophone and French Immersion students to encourage FSL teaching as a profession;</i></li> <li><i>Funding of a School District recruitment agency to assist all districts to recruit qualified Core French, Francophone Program or French Immersion teachers.</i> </li> </ul> <p><b><i>How it links to Federal and Provincial initiatives?</i></b></p> <p>Both the Federal and Provincial governments recognize the need for a growing number of specialty teachers to support French programs and all programs of choice.</p> <h5>Discussion</h5> <p>This is a key national and provincial priority. It is important not to be too prescriptive but we need a campaign to fill existing post-secondary FSL teacher training positions as well as new ones. And in the meantime, we need to build on existing recruitment models (including some possible joint ventures with the Government of France as suggested by Andre Obadia) to ensure that growing programs are adequately staffed.</p> <h4>Recommendation 5 - Distance Education - Enhanced Core and French Immersion</h4> <p><i>CPF-BC & Yukon supports the development of new distance learning models for French Immersion and Core French students in the French language, particularly at the Grade 10, 11 and 12 levels. A consortium of provinces could greatly enhance the options of students in small communities, in particular, communities unable to sustain full French Immersion programs though to Grade 12.</i></p> <p><b><i>How it links to Federal and Provincial initiatives?</i></b></p> <p>This is consistent with many of the proposals in the BC government's rural task force on education. Both governments value the enhance use of technology and innovation to address rural issues.</p> <h5>Discussion</h5> <p>There is a lack of options in many communities in French Immersion. Indeed, in many communities after Grade 8, there are no options. The creation of new distance learning options in French is not ideal, but could greatly enhance the opportunities of French Immersion students in small communities and students in communities with no FI or Francophone program.</p> <h4>Recommendation 6 - Post-Secondary Opportunities</h4> <p><i> CPF-BC & Yukon strongly supports and is a participant in the efforts of SFU and Educacentre in ensuring French-language and bilingual post-secondary programs in BC. These efforts will enhance the success of French Immersion programs across BC.</i></p> <p><b><i>How it links to Federal and Provincial initiatives?</i></b></p> <p>The Federal and BC Governments support these initiatives in principle and are presently working on the details.</p> <h5>Discussion</h5> <p>These are obviously high priority items for CPF. They may not end up being funded out of Dion Plan monies.</p> <h4>Recommendation 7 - Extracurricular Opportunities</h4> <p><i> CPF-BC & Yukon supports hundreds of extracurricular opportunities every year for French Immersion, Francophone and Core French. We are particularly proud of 7 partnerships we presently have with Francophone groups. Some Dion Plan monies should be set aside to support these initiatives - in particular, activities that bring together French First language and FSL communities such as the Francophone Youth Parliament, Concours, Rencontre, the Francophone Games and exchanges.</i></p> <p><b><i>How it links to Federal and Provincial initiatives?</i></b></p> <p>Enhancement of the monitor program, exchanges and other extracurricular activities was a key stated priority of the Dion Plan. The Provincial government has supported these activities for years through its distribution of funding grants - including socio-cultural grants managed by CPF-BC & Yukon.</p> <h5>Discussion</h5> <p>The investment in extracurricular opportunities greatly enhances French Immersion and Core French programs. In a culture so dominated by the English language, such opportunities are invaluable.</p> <p>Extracurricular programs also serve in the case of CPF events and partnerships such as Rencontre Française, Concours d'Art Oratoire, the Francophone Games, the Francophone Youth Parliament and the Artists Response team project to bring French First language and French Second language students together in a respectful and positive way that is beneficial to both groups.<br> </p> <h3>4. Conclusion</h3> <p>French Second language education is a Canadian and BC success story. The Federal and BC governments as well as local School Districts deserve credit for their ongoing commitment to Core French and French Immersion programs. <br> In 2002, in Cranbrook, the East Kootenays graduated their first French Immersion class. It was an extraordinary day for the town and for the students. It was remarkable day for the students and the community, a day of celebration for the Canadian Parents for French Chapter in Cranbrook that had worked so hard to establish the French Immersion program there thirteen years before.<br> Today, in Mackenzie, another group of parents is working on the same dream. The newest CPF Chapter has gathered expression of interest from the parents of 125 children, enough to fill a new Kindergarten class every year for the next six years. Their hope is to start a program next fall and graduate their first French Immersion class in the June of 2017.<br> The value of learning French in this changing world is enormous, regardless of your personal or career goals. </p> <p>Consider Cranbrook and Mackenzie. In recent years, two companies based in Quebec - Tembec and Abitibi have come to these two forest communities to become major employers. There are now industrial workers, skilled laborers in both communities who are learning French to progress in their respective companies and communicate with fellow employees across the country and the world. Even ten years ago, it would have been difficult to imagine that learning French would have anything to do with work at mills in Cranbrook and Mackenzie. Now, for some workers, it is a necessary part of their livelihood.</p> <p>No matter what students might do in their lives, the modern economy forces virtually everyone to become involved in networks. Three hundred million people living on every continent speak the French language. By learning it, young people are tapping in to worldwide network of immense proportions. They are multiplying their chances to succeed in ways we cannot even imagine today.</p> <p>French Immersion and Core French education represent extraordinary opportunities for BC students to achieve success and personal satisfaction in their lives. </p> <p><b>Our recommendations build on the solid work that has been achieved in recent years by both levels of government, school districts, students and parents-volunteers. By keeping the focus on the classroom, we can achieve the goal of expanding choice in public education, doubling the number of bilingual graduates and offering students in every corner of BC the chance to pursue their dreams in both of Canada's official languages.</b> </p> <p> <br>  </p> <p class="updated">The information on this page was late updated: October 31, 2003. <br> This page was last modified October 31, 2003.</P> <div align="center"> </td> <td width="80px"> </td> </tr> </table> <p class="contact"> <a class="ccontact" href="../../Other/FramePages/f_reachus.shtml" target="_top">Contact CPF - BC & Yukon</a> | <a class="ccontact" href="mailto:webmaster@cpf.bc.ca">Report Website Problems</a> | <a class="ccontact" href="../../Other/FramePages/f_termsConditions.shtml" target="_top">Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy</a></p> <div class="copyrgt"> Copyright © 2000-2006 Canadian Parents for French-British Columbia & Yukon Branch <br> All rights reserved. </div> <p> </p> </div> </td></tr></table> </body>