Released: November 22, 2011

Vancouver, BC — Canadian Parents for French (CPF) – BC & Yukon is pleased to announce the BC Ministry of Education has reversed a controversial curriculum proposal which would have demoted the significance of French in BC’s public education system.

In late 2010, the BC Ministry of Education proposed new curriculum for second language instruction which re-categorized French as an “Additional Language” along with German, Japanese, Mandarin and others. Recently, and after much public debate, the Ministry released a revised K – 12 curriculum document which makes a distinction between French and other languages of instruction.

“We are pleased to see the BC Ministry of Education recognize the unique status of both official languages in BC’s education system,” said Glyn Lewis, Interim Executive Director of CPF BC & Yukon Branch. “French – an official language of Canada – should act as a gateway to other languages,” concluded Lewis.

CPF BC & Yukon is grateful that the Ministry of Education has listened and positively responded to Francophile and Francophone organizations, language coordinators, CPF and other stakeholders who strongly opposed the re-categorization of French as one of many other “additional” languages of instruction.

There are over 275,000 students enrolled in French immersion, Intensive French or French as a second language in BC & the Yukon.

Canadian Parents for French is a national network of parent volunteers who work to promote and ensure quality French Second Language programs and activities for all youth.

For more information, please contact:

Glyn Lewis, Interim Executive Director
Canadian Parents for French BC & Yukon Branch
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it — 778-329-9115 (ext. 316)
www.cpf.bc.ca

The revised Draft French Curriculum may be viewed at http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/irp/drafts/french.pdf

More information on the original draft curriculum proposal:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/story/2011/02/04/bc-language-cirriculum.html

Related articles:
French will maintain favoured status in BC schools
BC backs off plan to devalue school French
BC abandons plan to demote French-language instruction

Attachments:

Additional Languages Curriculum FAQ	[Additional Languages Curriculum FAQ]	57 Kb
Media Release: BC Ministry of Education reverses controversial language decision	[CPF Media Release - BC Ministry of Education reverses controversial language decision]	21 Kb