EDITORIAL: The French connection (The Times-Picayune, New Orleans, Louisiana)

EDITORIAL: The French connection
The Times-Picayune (New Orleans, Louisiana)
Friday, October 03, 2008
Hyperlink: http://www.nola.com/news/t-p/editorials/index.ssf?/base/news-5/1223011441131460.xml&coll=1

A growing number of Louisiana students are not only learning French but are getting all of their education in that language, thanks largely to a 30-year partnership called the Louisiana-France Accords.

That relationship, which was affirmed last week at the Governor's Mansion in Baton Rouge, promotes Louisiana's French heritage through cultural and student exchanges and by bringing thousands of French-speaking teachers to Louisiana schools. Those include nearly 200 who teach in French immersion schools and programs, like those at Audubon Charter School, International School of Louisiana and Edward Hynes Charter School.

The French education minister, Xavier Darcos, visited Audubon Charter School, which has an immersion program for students from age 3 to seventh grade. The French government pays the salaries of two of the 12 teachers involved in Audubon Charter's program.

That relationship, which was affirmed last week at the Governor's Mansion in Baton Rouge, promotes Louisiana's French heritage through cultural and student exchanges and by bringing thousands of French-speaking teachers to Louisiana schools. Those include nearly 200 who teach in French immersion schools and programs, like those at Audubon Charter School, International School of Louisiana and Edward Hynes Charter School.

The French education minister, Xavier Darcos, visited Audubon Charter School, which has an immersion program for students from age 3 to seventh grade. The French government pays the salaries of two of the 12 teachers involved in Audubon Charter's program.

Mr. Darcos stressed his government's continued commitment to such programs, including the creation of a French high school in New Orleans, something French officials are discussing with local and state education officials.

French Consul General Olivier Brochenin mentioned other possibilities, including an international high school, which would offer French immersion along with other programs, and a French Baccalaureate or International Baccalaureate school. The Recovery School District already has plans to open an International Baccalaureate program at a New Orleans high school next year.

These programs would add another dimension to the diverse array of public schools that has emerged after Hurricane Katrina. It also will allow children from programs like that at Audubon Charter to continue their immersion education through graduation.

The French government's interest and support for these plans is encouraging and promises a continued strong relationship between France and Louisiana.