Exemption and Exclusion from French Second Language Programs in Canada: Consideration of Novice Teachers’ Rationales

This case study is focused on a small group of novice teachers of French as a second language (FSL) in the Canadian K–12 context. More specifically, it presents the perceptions and ideas that inform new teachers’ views toward the suitability of French as a second language and toward exemption and/or exclusion for two populations: students who are English language learners (ELLs) and students with learning difficulties and other special needs. The data from the current study are drawn from semi-structured interviews implemented over the first four years of a larger five-year study. The findings reveal that there was general openness to the idea of including students who are ELLs and who have learning difficulties in FSL programs. However, in some instances the participants viewed exemption as a reasonable path for the student population when, in isolated ways, the program was considered as unsuitable for their needs.