Access and outcomes of children with special education needs in Early French Immersion

This study investigated access to and outcomes of Early French Immersion (EFI) for students with special education needs (SEN) attending a large school board in Canada. Data analysis was carried out on: provincially mandated achievement test scores for all Grade 3 students with SEN participating over a three-year period (n= 705) who attended either EFI or English programs; standardized French and English language and reading scores for a small subset of students (n= 20); and interviews with parents of Grade 4 students in EFI (n= 9). Results revealed lower participation but higher English academic and language performance for students with SEN in the EFI program as well as development of French language and reading skills. Interviewed parents often believed children with SEN 'could not handle' EFI and that withdrawal should be an option in response to learning difficulties. Implications for inclusive practices in EFI are discussed.