Attrition in French Immersion Programs: Possible Solutions

The attrition of French Immersion Programs in Canada has become a source of concern for some parents and educators. The main purpose of the present study was to investigate the perceptions French coordinators, helping teachers, school principals and French Immersion teachers in British Columbia had regarding the rate of attrition and their reasons for students leaving French Immersion Programs. This research differed from previous studies in that it also investigated the types of strategies being undertaken by administrators and educators to lower the attrition rate. Possible strategies to be implemented at the district, school, and individual classroom levels are discussed and an intervention project is proposed.