The government has introduced amendments to the Education Act that, if passed, would put the French immersion pathway and entry points into legislation.
The proposed amendments reflect what is currently governed by Policy 309: French Second Language Instruction and keep the entry points at grades 1 and 6.
"Students and families need stability and predictability in our education system," said Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Claire Johnson. "By including French immersion entry points in legislation, families, students and educators can rest assured any future changes will require legislative consideration and scrutiny by the whole legislative assembly."
Policy 309 establishes the requirements for French second-language instruction, including French immersion. It affirms that all students should have access to French second-language instruction beginning in kindergarten through to Grade 12, and specifies the entry points for early and late immersion as grades 1 and 6, respectively.
"Today is a truly historic day for French immersion and for bilingualism in New Brunswick," said Jane Keith, president of Parents for Bilingual Education New Brunswick. "We are absolutely thrilled to see French immersion receive the protection it deserves. We brought forward the importance of protecting French immersion to the minister and the department of education, and we are incredibly grateful that they listened. For decades, parents, educators and communities across New Brunswick have worked tirelessly to build and strengthen this program because they believe in the incredible opportunities bilingualism provides our children. Protecting French immersion in legislation means families can have confidence that this pathway will be there for their children today, tomorrow and for generations to come."
The amendments also include other aspects of Policy 309, including flexible enrolment outside of the established entry points. This would allow a student to enrol in French immersion with permission of the superintendent and in accordance with the Education Act and Policy 321: Admission Based on Language.
"These amendments reflect our government's commitment to a bilingual New Brunswick and strengthen French-language learning and bilingualism in New Brunswick," said Johnson.
