N.B. appoints 2 commissioners to review French classes

New Brunswick has launched a review of how schools teach French as a second language, appointing two commissioners on Monday.

Education Minister Kelly Lamrock appointed James Croll and Patricia Lee as the commissioners, who will spend the next seven months consulting with parents, teachers and students about how to improve French classes.

Croll is a professor emeritus from the University of New Brunswick and Patricia Lee has been involved in education provincially and nationally for many years.

Croll said they plan to start the review with an open mind.

"Right now, at this point of time, we're still in the starting blocks. And as a consequence, I think we're going to learn a lot as we move forward."

Recent studies show both the regular French curriculum and immersion French are not producing fluent French speakers.

Walter Lee, president of Canadian Parents for French, said one thing the commission should consider is providing more administrative support for French teachers.

He said New Brunswick only has one departmental consultant who evaluates French programs. Nova Scotia, by contrast, has seven.

The commission's report is expected in February 2008.

Lamrock said that, depending on the recommendations, changes could be implemented by September 2008.