This brief report presents six trends in Canadian education for 2018-2019. Each trend is presented with a list of facts and relating report to support the trend. The six trends are: (1) Provinces and territories are conducting whole system reviews and reforms to their education systems; (2) Minority language revitalization in education has become…

Describes a testing program initiated by the University of New Brunswick (Saint John Campus) to evaluate the French proficiency level of their students according to norms standardized throughout Canada. The evaluators used the Public Service Commission tests which were administered to a group of volunteer students for two succeeding years.…

In 1974 a program was developed in New South Wales (Australia) to remedy the loss of interest in French language instruction in the high schools. The magazine "Passe-Partout," oriented to teenage interests, was used for reading material in one portion of the program and as part of the comprehensive examination. (MSE)

Describes the Indiana University French Communicative Ability Test, developed to test communicative ability at a relatively low level (beginning university French), and in a large, multi-section program. (AM)

Explains unique features of a Branched Program Achievement Test for college French students, and presents data that validate the testing strategy and demonstrate the value of the test as a placement instrument. (JB)

Describes a testing program designed to assess the French language proficiency of professionals desiring to practice in the Quebec region. Discusses the criteria used for the construction, administration, and scoring of the tests in compliance with the 1977 French language legislation. (MES)

This guide to Alberta's French 30 standardized test describes the testing program and administration, the test parts, and test scoring for both teachers and students anticipating taking the test. Dates and times of test administration and scoring dates in 1990 are charted. The two parts of the test are described in some detail, including their…

A new national program being developed by France's Ministry of Education will create nationally regulated certification of elementary level French language skills for foreigners. The certification is not attached to any course or curriculum but will be available to anyone with specific practical language competencies. (MSE)

Results are summarized of research on a program instituting graded objectives and tests in French. The research project was conducted during the 1979-80 school year by the Language Teaching Council at York, England. Two experimental groups and two control groups were formed of students aged 13 and over. Pupils, parents, and teachers completed…

Lack of emphasis on oral aspects of language in the Irish Leaving Certificate foreign language examinations has long been considered by teachers to be the chief reason for their inability to implement the aims of modern language teaching in Ireland. These aims are stated in the Department of Education's "Rules and Programme for Secondary…

A discussion of Norway's efforts to develop a national test of modern languages to be administered at the end of compulsory education looks at the objectives of language instruction and the test types chosen to address the specific competencies desired. (MSE)

The system of standardized second language tests administered to Swedish junior and senior high school students is described. The tests are used to give teachers an idea of the performance levels of their entire classes, not individual students, for comparison with national norms. They are administered more than a year before the students leave…

An brief overview of the Achievement Testing Program conducted by Alberta Education (AE) during 1980-90 is provided. The program provides AE, jurisdictions, schools, and the public with information about students' knowledge and skills in relation to objectives in the provincial program of studies. Program tests are administered every 4 years on a…

The structure and administration of the Paris Chamber of Commerce Examination of French language proficiency is described, and methods of classroom preparation for the examination are presented. The exam certifies French proficiency at two levels: certificat (language skills necessary to conduct business effectively in the francophone world) and…

A brief overview of the Diploma Examinations Program conducted by Alberta Education during 1989-90 is provided. All grade 12 students in Alberta are required to write at least one diploma examination, either English 30 or English 33, to receive a high school diploma. The Grade 12 Diploma Examinations Program is intended to develop and maintain…