Quote Originally Posted by Lee-Bee View Post
Having taught K-6...I found that if you opt NOT to do French immersion the class dynamics are VERY different as all the children with special needs and behavioral needs are in the English classes (the principal encourages these families to not have the those children in immersion as the children struggle more in a second language when they already have difficulties).

Keep in mind that the large majority of families in the French immersion program do not know French at home so homework expectations take this into account.

Such a hard decision...not looking forward to having ti make it myself in a few years!!!
I find that very interesting about the English class dynamic and it is so incredibly true. My sons class every year is so chaotic and is unbelievably high needs. I think it's a serious disservice to the children with any kind of special needs to be recommended to not go to FI. That is a reflection on the system in my opinion. That being said, I'm not negating the realities of the limited resources available to teachers to deal with Special Needs to begin with so I can't imagine there would be a whole lot to help with a second language program. It's not the kids fault though is it, yet they are the ones to pay the price. I actually wish I'd taken a risk and put my son in FI now seeing as he is very good with French, but I think in reality he may be good in this area now because he stayed in the English program but was immersed in French due to the school really pushing French on all the kids attending his school not just the FI students. His French teacher for the last 3 years in the English program is also a FI teacher so I'm sure she teaches it differently than a basic core French teacher would.