French as second language management in Ontario secondary schools: achievements, issues, and prospects

Examining the intended organisation of French as a Second Language (FSL) programmes in terms of its actual implementation is an important step in the development of FSL education. Such investigations facilitate dialogues on the current state of FSL programmes and on future strategies. Through a questionnaire given to the Ontario Ministry of Education’s FSL Implementation Unit as well as official document sources, this study investigated, from a language management perspective, the current framework in place in the province and its goals. The Ministry’s determination to further grow its FSL programmes, making French available to all its students, while also offering differentiated education for all, shows the positive potentials in FSL learning. Taking these forward-orientated goals into consideration, potential hurdles were considered which may demand other, new proactive approaches in the future.