i Bill requires French lessons
Bill requires French lessons
BY REBEKAH METZLER Kennebec Journal & Morning Sentinel 02/18/2009

LEWISTON -- Rep. Brian Bolduc, D-Auburn, wants to make sure every Maine student learns about the state's French heritage.

A bill sponsored by Bolduc would add Franco-American history to the Maine Learning Results and require the course for graduation.

"You have the English history, you have the Native American history and you're missing the third component, which is French history," Bolduc said.

The bill has about 40 co-sponsors, including many from the Androscoggin County delegation.

Bolduc, a recent graduate of the University of New England's teacher certification program, said fewer and fewer students are aware of Maine's rich Franco history.

The Maine Department of Education had not taken a position on the issue as of Tuesday, spokesman David Connerty-Marin said.

The Maine Learning Results tests were developed in 1996 and reviewed and revised a couple of years ago, Connerty-Marin said.

"Actually, this issue of Franco-American culture was brought up during the review process, between 2004 and 2006," he said. "Maine law says that Maine history, including its cultural and ethnic components, are required in schools."

Native Americans are the only group explicitly written into the law for inclusion, he said.

A similar bill that would require Acadian history to be a part of the curriculum has also been submitted.

Bookmark and share this story: digg del.icio.us Reddit

Reader comments

Click here to view or add reader comments