Calgary Board of Education

The Calgary Board of Education has been a leader in providing rich and varied language programs in the province for many years. Students can now study German, Spanish, Mandarin, Korean, Cree, Blackfoot or French. And they have a choice of learning through immersion, bilingual, or language and culture programs.

This broad offering of language programming is yet another way that the CBE recognizes that learning is as unique as every student.

German Bilingual is accessed at two schools by 168 students. Responding to public demand, our Mandarin Bilingual program expanded to three schools this year. It now attracts 385 students. The CBE's Spanish Bilingual program has been expanding and is now the largest in Alberta, with 2,500 students enrolled at eight schools across the city. And we continue to be the largest provider of French Immersion in Alberta, with 7,248 students, a 3.5 per cent increase over last year.

Our language and culture programs are also popular choices for high school students:

This is in addition to the 2,240 students who are taking French as a second language at high school.

It's important to note that the CBE culture is also enriched by the many students who come to us speaking additional languages. Indeed, 47 per cent of the more than 55,000 English-language learners in Alberta study in CBE classrooms.

As a result of that change, 113 schools that have Grades 4- 6 students continue to offer a second language. In many of other 25 schools where a second language is not currently offered, language clubs, cultural weeks and carnivals are being hosted for their Grades 4 – 6 students.

All but two junior high school schools are continuing to offer an additional language this year. One of those two schools is a French immersion school. At the second junior high school, no student selected a second language as an option. All of our high schools continue to offer languages as an option.

As a result of the change, 24,409 students are taking French as a second language this year, compared to 34,926 last year. Students, depending on their level of French proficiency, can begin French Immersion at their appropriate grade level. The CBE also offers Late French Immersion in Grade 7. At this entry point, there is no French prerequisite.

Schools are expected to review their decisions regarding second language learning annually.

The CBE continues to research and develop innovative options for the delivery of additional language learning to ensure increased access, flexibility and sustainability. This includes working with parents, students and schools to make appropriate language choices and encourage second language proficiency for our students and teachers. A language stakeholder advisory group has also been established to assist with this work. The advisory group includes representatives from the Southern Alberta Heritage Language Association, the University of Calgary Language Research Centre and Faculty of Education and Canadian Parents for French.

GLOSSARY

French Immersion Alternative Program
French Immersion is an effective way for students to become functionally fluent in French while achieving all of the objectives of the regular school program. French is the language of instruction for a significant part of the school day; that is, several or all subjects, except English language arts, are taught in French. This program is designed for students whose first language is not French. The objective is full mastery of the English language, functional fluency in French, as well as an understanding and appreciation of the French culture. There are several entry points; early (K or Grade 1), middle (Grade 5, starting September 2012) and late (Grade 7).

Bilingual Alternative Programs
Bilingual programs are offered in German, Spanish and Mandarin. In these programs students are immersed ranging from 25 to 50 per cent of instructional time in the target language. Language Arts is taught in both English and the target language and Math is taught in the target language. Other subjects may be taught in either language. Cultural knowledge and skills are often integrated throughout the curriculum.

French as a Second Language (FSL) and Language & Culture (L&C)
FSL and L&C programs develop a foundation in a second language as well as an appreciation of other cultures. A second language is taught as a subject, for 75 to 95 hours per year in elementary and junior high school and 125 hours per course in senior high school. These programs generally begin in Grade 4. However, some schools offer FSL beginning in Kindergarten or Grade 1. Elementary schools, in consultation with the community, determine the language and culture program needs and interests in their school. Grade 7-9 schools are required to offer a second language program. All senior high schools (except special settings) offer second language courses.

English Language Learning
Comprehensive English-language-learning is provided for students whose first language isn't English.

Heritage/International Language Programs
Heritage language programs are offered in the community for families who wish to maintain and elevate their home language. Southern Alberta Heritage Language Association (SAHLA) offers 38 languages to students outside of school hours. Students who take part in heritage language programs may have their language learning accomplishments acknowledged by the CBE through an International Certificate.

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CBE continues to lead in Second Language Learning

GLOSSARY