In-person sessions conclude on N.B. French education overhaul
The New Brunswick government has heard loud criticism directly from parents and teachers about its planned changes to French education in English schools.
Education Minister Bill Hogan's final in-person public session on the topic was held Wednesday evening in Fredericton, following previous meetings in Saint John, Moncton, and Bathurst, N.B.
Initially organized as a “world café” format of discussions table-to-table, an open mic session was hastily added when parents in Moncton began shouting over Hogan's introductions.
Hotel conference rooms in Moncton, Saint John, and Fredericton each had more than 300 people in attendance.
"We're having consultations because nothing at this point is written in stone," said Hogan Tuesday night in Saint John. "If it was written in stone it would be silly to have consultations."
Under the plan, kindergarten to Grade 1 students would spend half their school day taught in French and the other half in English.
The change, planned for September 2023, would end the French immersion program in Grade 1 where students currently spend 90 per cent of their day taught in French.
Parent Rudy Walters attended the Moncton meeting and spoke about one of their children currently in French immersion and another entering kindergarten this fall.
“It’s really hard to imagine knowing that one child will have those advantages,” said Walters, upset about the proposed changes.
Erin Schryer, an educator and literacy specialist, said the province's plan would hurt several English students who need more time developing skills in class.
"I really keep wondering if anyone who has worked on any of these proposals has reviewed the daily schedule of (kindergarten to Grade 2)," said Schryer, at the Saint John meeting. "How much time do you really have with K-2 children in a day, for focused, explicit, on-task instruction? Two hours? On a good day?"
Heather Hollett said the government's proposed plan would further hinder opportunities for teachers to instruct students at varying stages.
"If a one-size-fits-all approach is not acceptable within our individual classrooms, I do not see how a one-size-fits-all approach can be acceptable for all the people of our province," said Hollett, at the Fredericton meeting.
The provincial government says virtual consultation sessions on the plan are scheduled for Jan. 31 and Feb. 2.
An online provincial government survey on the subject will close on Feb. 3.
Hogan said the final plan for French education in English schools would be made public by the spring.
With files from CTV’s Alyson Samson and Alana Pickrell
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
Pro-plastic lobbyist presence at UN talks is 'troubling,' say advocates
Environmentalist groups are sounding the alarm about a steep increase in the number of pro-plastic lobbyists at the UN pollution talks taking place this week.
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Courteney Cox says her partner Johnny McDaid once broke up with her in therapy
Courteney Cox's longtime partner Johnny McDaid once broke up with her in a therapy session.
Are Canadians getting sick from expired food?
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.