The Edmonton Public School Board (EPSB) has approved a new, locally developed course that will provide students with the option to take Arabic language-learning classes from elementary through to high school.
“It provides an opportunity for students to learn either a new language or provide them with instruction on language in their mother tongue,” said board chair Saadiq Sumar. The course also serves to teach children about Arabic culture.
The move comes despite EPSB rethinking their requirement for language courses in schools, a proposal that was tabled in May. Many other locally developed courses have been tabled this past year, including courses teaching AI, design, and smudging.
The Arabic language and culture courses approved were developed by another school authority. Meeting notes pointed out that in March, 168 students enrolled in the course in a K-6 school that is already providing the class.
A Competencies in Math class was also proposed, as a way for kids to expand their abilities in mathematics.
Parents protest international ban
Prior to the proposal of the new classes, multiple parents and a student protested the recent cancellation of all all school-based international travel.
Parents and educators emphasized that they believe the decision was made out of fear, and that the programs do more good than harm. There was an anecdote brought forward by a parent named Lindsay Austrom about a Paris trip, where an itinerary was adjusted to keep students safe in the wake of Paris Saint-Germain F.C. victory celebrations. Austrom talked about how much preparation has now been for nothing.
“We had planned travel, we had planned home renovations,” said Austrom. “But at this point, there will be no alternative exchange program.”
Her son, Rory, also spoke about his trip to France being cancelled, which will affect his ability to take a C1 French exam and apply to French universities.
“I’ve been considering foreign travel and foreign education for a while,” said Austrom.
“To do that exam on my own is very hard to prepare for. I don’t have study material, I don’t have the support of my teachers, and it comes at a cost of around $400.”
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