Bureau de l'éducation française

Below is a synopsis of BEF’s mandate and its four branches.

Mandate

The mandate of the Bureau de l’éducation française (BEF) Division is to develop, evaluate and administer policies and programs relating to French-language education.
The Division is made up of four branches:

• Curriculum Development and Implementation Branch
• Educational Support Services Branch
• Official Languages Programs and Administrative Services Branch
• Library and Materials Production Branch.

Curriculum Development and Implementation Branch

The Curriculum Development and Implementation Branch has two principal mandates. Firstly, it is responsible for developing French education curricula for the Français and French Immersion Programs and for French courses offered in the English Program. These curricula provide the basis for instruction, learning and assessment in various subjects and courses. Secondly, it is responsible for supporting and facilitating the implementation of the curriculum documents designed to guide student learning.
In addition to these two principal mandates, the Branch fulfills other standing and occasional responsibilities, such as the development of policy documents and curriculum supplements.

Educational Support Services Branch

The Educational Support Services Branch is responsible for a variety of portfolios, activities and services related to French-language education, which include, among others:

• Calculation of grants to school divisions providing French-language instruction;
• Projects related to the assessment program at the provincial, national and international levels;
• Liaison with provincial, national and international partners in French education;
• Administrative support to school divisions with respect to the teaching and promotion of French as a Second Language
• Development and implementation of policies regarding French-language education and related issues pertaining to The Public Schools Act.

Official Languages Programs and Administrative Services Branch

The Official Languages Programs and Administrative Services Branch administers financial assistance programs under the Official Languages in Education Program (OLEP). These initiatives provide financial support to public and independent schools, post-secondary institutions and non-government organizations for the development and implementation of innovative educational and cultural programs, for the broadening of existing programs, and for specific needs in the area of French-language education in Manitoba. The Branch also locally implements the national programs Odyssey, Explore and Destination Clic, and administers, among others, bursary programs for teachers and students to pursue studies in French.
The Branch is also responsible for the preparation, co-ordination and administration of the budget and the administrative and secretarial services for the BEF Division.

Library and Materials Production Branch

The Library and Materials Production Branch is responsible for providing instructional materials and library services related to French education to K-12 educators and professionals in Manitoba’s Français and French Immersion schools and to English Program schools offering French. Its clientele also includes, among others, department staff, school division curriculum consultants, and professors and student teachers from the faculties of education of local post-secondary institutions. In addition, the Branch produces digital resources to support the curricula and promotes best teaching practices, educational resources and Branch services in Manitoba rural schools through its library outreach program.