Public Attitudes to Education. A Report. Number 84-06.

Overview & Synopsis

To provide those involved with education with a clear sense of public attitudes on some major educational issues, 1,013 telephone interviews were conducted in Manitoba in January 1984. This report provides results of the survey together with an analysis of their significance. The questions asked were divided into five major categories: (1) quality of education, (2) funding of education, (3) special programs, (4) public involvement, and (5) postsecondary accessibility and continuing education. Responses were analyzed by age, gender, place of residence (Winnipeg/other), level of education, and presence of students in the household. Where present, significant differences in responses for these subgroups are noted in the report. Findings of the survey showed that: (1) Public perceptions of the quality of education are neither so positive as to be comfortable nor so negative as to be alarming; with the exception of high school, where concern is stronger, there is qualified support for educational equality; (2) Education is seen as reasonably well funded with no public support for increased spending; (3) Strong public support for new initiatives in the areas of Heritage Language and sex education and support for programs for special needs students; (4) Strong support for increased public involvement in education; and (5) Most Manitobans believe that accessibility to postsecondary education is good; there is a large demand for adult education especially from the most affluent and educated. (A brief summary in both French and English is included.) (MLF)