Up to 19 attempts without passing the French test for future teachers

The French exam is giving future teachers a hard time, especially those at the University of Quebec in Trois-Rivières, where students have tried 19 times to pass the exam without success.

Every year for at least three years, a UQTR student passes 19^e A multiple of the Linguistic Index section of the Certificate Examination in French Written for Teaching (TECFÉE).

Data obtained by Newspaper However, show that after 12 attempts, the chances of success are almost zero.

“Usually, when they get there, we encourage them to adapt themselves,” says Priscilla Boyer, professor of French teaching at UQTR. However, with the shortage, these aspiring teachers end up working in schools as legally unqualified teachers, he adds.

However, these are exceptions as the majority pass the exam, notes M.^me Boyer reminds us that all future teachers, including those who teach art or physical education, must achieve this to earn their diploma.

At UQTR, you must have completed at least one course before trying your luck at TECFÉE for the first time. Then up to four inspections per year can be carried out.

The success rate is low in the first attempt

Newspaper It was reported this week that first attempt pass rates at many universities have also fallen since the pandemic.

UQTR is no exception to this trend. In 2023-2024, this ratio even drops to 17%, whereas it was 26% two years ago.

A lack of choice in teaching programs, unlike other universities located in large urban centers, may partly explain the situation, says M.^me Boyer.

Students are encouraged to take the exam as early as possible in their training, which helps provide support to those who need it later, he adds.

UQTR also welcomes more teaching students returning to study after several years out of school, which requires a “good adaptation”, says M.^me Boyer.

More generally, this expert refers to a “generational effect” linked to the “decline of the French” throughout Quebec.

“They’re not good at French, but spelling seems to be less important compared to other types of skills,” he insists.

According to statistics obtained by Newspaper, A downward trend seems to be common in most universities.

Only a recent class of students from the University of Quebec at Abidip-Témiscamingue managed to increase the success rate on the first attempt, which was 50% in the previous three years.