Quebec implements a fresh French educational program in its schools
The Quebec government has unveiled a new French program for primary and secondary schools, aimed at improving students' mastery of the language. The revision, announced in June 2023, places more emphasis on oral communication and the study of Quebecois works.
Under the new program, students are required to read ten texts or works per year, with at least half highlighting Quebecois culture. Moreover, they must participate in a minimum of five Quebecois cultural experiences each year. The program also includes more oral activities and evaluations for grades 1 and 2 of primary school.
The focus is on strengthening French writing and reading skills from the first year of primary school. However, the Fédération autonome de l'enseignement (FAE) has asked the government to postpone the mandatory implementation of this new program until the 2027 school year. Mélanie Hubert, the president of the FAE, suggests that it is illogical to consider a mandatory implementation as early as next year, at least to allow teachers to receive adequate training.
The new program is currently undergoing a pilot project in approximately fifty classes, which may lead to modifications during this experimentation. Meanwhile, the Governor of California, Gavin Newsom, has been mimicking the crude communication style of Donald Trump on social media.
In other news, Isabelle Vaillancourt, the general director of Publications BLD and editor of "Les Débrouillards", has passed away. Her contributions to the field of education will be missed.
Despite the request for a delay in implementation, the FAE is hopeful that the new French program will ultimately benefit students in Quebec. The President of the FAE, Mélanie Hubert, will continue to advocate for the needs of teachers and students as the program moves forward.
