Special Education & Inclusion in French Programs

In the past, it may have been thought that students with Special Education needs should not participate, or would not thrive in French programs, particularly French Immersion and Extended French. 

Research on these programs and students with Special Education needs confronts that assumption and we know that students with Special Education needs can indeed benefit from and thrive in French programs of all kinds. All efforts should be made to design and deliver a program that supports a wide range of learning styles and needs. 

The Ministry of Education policy document Including Students with Special Education Needs in French As A Second Language Programs, 2015 states that “The foundational belief that all students can learn applies to students across all subjects and program areas.” (page 3).

Educators in French programs can and shall use assessment strategies to identify strengths and learning needs for all students and design a differentiated program to meet them. Learning experiences may be differentiated by content, process, product, environment or language complexity based on the strengths and needs of the students. Educators in French programs can and shall develop an IEP (Individual Education Plan) if it is deemed necessary. 

Accommodations and modifications are both possible in French programs and must be put in place if required to support the student’s learning needs.  Please seek support from your school's Special Education team if needed.