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Background 

The Abbotsford School District recognizes the value to students of additional language learning and supports the implementation of language programs subject to the viability of a proposed program and the availability of resources, as set forth in this procedure.

Procedures 

The Ministry of Education and Child Care mandates the provision of second language instruction from grades 5 through 8. The Abbotsford School District currently offers French across the district and Punjabi in certain schools as second languages within that grade range.

1. 1.    Definition: “Second Language”
   1.1    For the purposes of this Administrative Procedure, “second language” refers to any language taught as a second‑language subject within the British Columbia education system, as defined by the Ministry of Education and Child Care.
   1.2    The purpose of second‑language learning is to support students in developing the ability to communicate meaningfully in the language, including oral, written, and receptive skills, in alignment with the BC curriculum. Second‑language instruction also includes learning about the cultural, historical, and social contexts of the language, recognizing that language is inseparable from the identity, knowledge systems, and lived experiences of its people.
   1.3    Second‑language learning is inclusive of all students, regardless of prior language experience, home language(s), or level of proficiency, and affirms multilingualism as a strength.
    

Second‑language learning is inclusive of all students, regardless of prior language experience, home language(s), or level of proficiency, and affirms multilingualism as a strength.

2.    Establishment of Second Language Instruction Programs
2.1    Subject to the regulations and policies of the Ministry of Education and Child Care, the Superintendent will consider the establishment of additional second‑language programs when educational rationale, student interest, and the effective use of district resources can be demonstrated.
2.2    Program viability will be assessed based on enrolment trends, staffing capacity, timetabling considerations, and alignment with district priorities. Enrolment expectations may be established and reviewed locally to support sustainable programming.

         2.2.1    A source of funding has been identified to cover all costs including, but not limited to, staff and instructional materials to support the program
2.3    The Superintendent may discontinue an alternate language program, with written notice to the impacted parents by April 1 prior to discontinuance in September of the following school year.


 

Last Revised: June 2026
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