Edmonton Public Schools is conducting a review to determine whether to maintain or eliminate the mandatory second language instruction requirement for its students. The division currently mandates that schools offer at least one language besides English, such as French or Spanish, from grades 4 through 9, and encourages continued study through Grade 12.
Policy Under Scrutiny
The 20-year-old policy is being reexamined as the division grapples with space shortages and an increasing number of English language learners. Superintendent Ron Thompson stated during a Tuesday board meeting that altering the language requirement could offer more flexibility. He noted that with many English language learners already in the system, requiring another language might not be as practical.
“It’s extremely beneficial that we’re providing second language instruction to our students,” Thompson said. “But again, our context has changed.” He emphasized that the option to learn a new language is not being reconsidered, only the mandatory nature of the requirement.
Historical Context
The policy was originally introduced when the province considered mandating French instruction across Alberta. Edmonton Public Schools proactively implemented its own policy, but the province ultimately did not proceed. As a result, the division currently exceeds provincial requirements. In Alberta, taking French as a second language is optional, and school divisions can adopt local policies making second language instruction mandatory.
Trustees clarified that the policy is not specifically about French but about the benefits of learning any additional language. Board chairman Saadiq Sumar said, “The real question is whether or not this should be a mandatory piece versus something that’s offered to students as an option.” He added that many factors are at play, and various outcomes are possible.
Next Steps
Trustees voted to ask administration to develop a report on engagement objectives for the language policy. If approved, engagement with students, families, and staff would likely occur during the 2026/27 school year. Following that, administration would draft a report on findings to present to the board.
Thompson noted that the policy was a proactive measure that went beyond provincial mandates. The review aims to align the policy with current educational needs and resource constraints.
