A shortage of French teachers across Ontario has led the Thames Valley District School Board to overhaul its French immersion programs. The TVDSB announced Monday that students will only be allowed to enter the program in Grade 1. The board will no longer allow entry into the program in senior Kindergarten and Grade 7.
"These changes were required to address a nationwide shortage of qualified French-language teachers and avoid limiting admission, similar to other Boards in the province," the board said in a news release issued Monday. "We heard from our communities that limiting enrolment was not a favourable strategy to managing the French-language staffing shortage. This outcome is in the best interest of students who will benefit from consistent, equitable access to high-quality French Immersion programming in all areas of the school district."
The board's administration recommended to trustees that they consolidate French Immersion to a single Grade 1 entry point, a recommendation that trustees recently approved. The decision marked the end of the first phase of the French immersion program review.
According to the board, feedback that was collected during Phase 1 will be considered during the second phase of the review. The board says that may include looking at options like dual-track schools, in which schools would have French immersion and regular English instruction. It will also consider two-year English Kindergarten programming in French Immersion schools where space permits.
"The board will be reviewing those options, which will take into account and honour regional differences, Board policy, Ministry guidelines and budgetary impact," the TVDSB news release said. "We are committed to presenting a plan that is best for French Immersion students, is transparent in-process and fiscally responsible."
