As Mr. Barkley pointed out in our last meeting, the teaching of French or any other second language at CBE schools is no longer mandatory. This article from the Calgary Herald provides some details and goes on to quote Cathy Faber (CBE Superintendent of Learning Innovation). Mrs. Faber states that the decision is not fiscally based and is in the best interest of students as they will be given more choice in their education.
With the news about cutbacks at schools and reduced funding from Alberta Education, its very difficult to believe this isn't a financial decision. Surely most schools will look at the cuts they are being asked to make and start with this program, one that has suddenly been made optional...?
What do you think? Should a second language be mandatory? Should French be mandatory? We are a bilingual country.
I agree with you Shane.
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