Myth busters about French first-language education

Choosing a school for your child can be a stressful decision. You want the best for your child. When deciding on a school in which to enrol your child, you are making a decision that will have an impact on lifelong learning, postsecondary education, and career choices.

It’s important to have accurate information to make informed decisions about your child’s education and future. In Saskatchewan, there is often confusion about French programs, especially concerning the difference between French immersion programs and French first-language education. Let us help you bust five important myths about French first-language education.

MYTH: In Saskatchewan, there are only two publicly funded education systems: Catholic and Public.

FACT: There are three. The Catholic and Public education systems are English-language systems. The third is French first-language education, offered by the Conseil des écoles fransaskoises (CÉF). It is not a private system; it is also publicly funded by the Ministry of Education.

MYTH: French immersion programs and French first-language education are the same.

FACT: They are in fact quite different. English-language school divisions offer immersion programs for children who wish to learn French as a second language. Daily routine at school is in English. Depending on the program, the percentage of French taught may decrease as the school grade increases.

French-first language education is offered by the Conseil des écoles fransaskoises. (CÉF). The school environment is 100% French, from pre-kindergarten (3 and 4 year olds) to Grade 12. Everything happens in French except for English Language Arts classes.

MYTH: Only French-speaking children can access French first language education.

FACT: Under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom Act, right-holder families can access this education even though their child may speak little or no French. This includes parents who no longer speak French but received their elementary instruction in a French first-language school. Those with French-speaking roots may also be admissible.

MYTH: English levels are poorer in French first-language schools.

FACT: Even though English Language Arts classes begin in Grade 4, the curriculum is the same as what is taught in English-language schools. In fact, student results far exceed the provincial average in English Language Arts provincial tests. Students have no problems speaking English since it’s part of their daily lives outside school.

MYTH: Students can’t study or work in English if they graduate from a francophone high school.

FACT: A 2009 study (Youth bilingualism in Canada) by Statistics Canada compared the sustainability of bilingualism for students from a variety of immersion programs to that of students from French first-language schools in a minority context. Results from this study showed that:

• 98 % of students who attended minority schools benefited from sustainable bilingualism compared to 57% of students who studied in immersion programs.

CÉF students can study, work or travel in the official language of their choice, in any province or country.

In Saskatoon, call École canadiennefrançaise (elementary school) at 306-6538498 or Pavillon Gustave-Dubois (secondary school) at 306-955-3983 or visit cefsk.ca. - Contributed by Conseil des écoles

fransaskoises (CÉF)