Overview
Language learning is an important part of a student's education for many reasons. Research shows that learning a second language greatly contributes to a student's educational experiences, personal growth and development of higher-level thinking skills. Alberta Education believes in the importance of providing students with expanded opportunities to learn a second language.
In 2004, a target implementation date of September 2006 for a province-wide language learning requirement for Grades 4-9 students was announced. Through surveys and regular contact with school jurisdictions, Alberta Education found that a majority of school boards were ready to offer second language instruction in September of 2006; however, Alberta Education was also informed that some jurisdictions were not ready and would need more time to prepare. It is for this reason that Alberta Education will not proceed with provincial implementation of a second language learning requirement at this time.
School boards will continue to be encouraged and supported to make second language programs available where possible. Alberta Education will continue to support school authorities who choose to implement a language learning requirement locally. Alberta Education is continuing with the development of programs of study, learning and teaching resources and assessment materials on a phased-in basis for Grades 4-9, in the following languages: Cree, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Punjabi, Spanish and Ukrainian.
Alberta Education will also continue to provide support for the use of alternative methods, including video-conferencing, to support the delivery of quality language programs to all Alberta students. Scholarships and bursaries remain available to current and future language teachers to develop, enhance and maintain their skills.
For more information contact:
Sigrid Olsen
Team Leader, Languages
Curriculum Branch
Alberta Education,
Email: sigrid.olsen@gov.ab.ca
Telephone: 780-422-2669
