Minister to fix problems in French-language programs

New Brunswick Education Minister Kelly Lamrock says his new education plan this springwill address concerns overdisappointing results of a survey of students studying French.

"I've said where I'm looking for answers, which is more intensive experiences and more practical living learning experiences," he said."We'll have to work hard to design something by the spring."

Less than a quarter of Grade 12 students who volunteered to be surveyed in regular French and immersion programs metcomprehension goals set by the department.

Lamrock says the recently released test results fromFredericton district schools areespecially dismal.

Just seven of 47 students surveyed from theregular French program achieved targets, and none of the five students surveyed in early immersion programs met expected languagegoals.

Lamrock says that's evidence of a problem withFrench-language instruction in the province.

But noteveryone agrees that French programs have serious flaws.

Mark Wise'stwo children wereenrolled in the late immersion program, where students begin intensive French instruction starting in Grade 6.

Hesays he's happy with the education they received.

"Both my sons are able to communicate quite well, in both official languages, verbally and in writing, within New Brunswick as well as outside of New Brunswick."

Lamrock says he'll consult with parents and educators before releasing hiseducation plan.