ENGLISH READING WITHIN THE FRENCH IMMERSION PROGRAM: A COMPARISON OF THE EFFECTS OF THE INTRODUCTION OF ENGLISH READING AT DIFFERENT GRADE LEVELS

The focus of the study was the French immersion program in Quebec, in which English reading is introduced in some schools at the Grade 2 level, and in some at the Grade 3 level. The hypothesis that delaying the introduction of reading in English until Grade 3 would improve English reading skills was tested. The stage at which English reading was first taught was found not to affect reading grade level as measured by an individual reading test. Reasons were discussed for the final recommendation that English reading be delayed until Grade 3.