Public attitudes towards education in Ontario, 1998 : the twelfth OISE/UT Survey

Since 1978, the OISE/UT Survey has been the only extensive analysis of public concerns about educational issues in Canada to be published on a regular basis. The survey profiles current patterns and trends in public opinion about policy options for all levels of education. The twelfth survey is based on interviews conducted in late 1998 with a random sample of 1000 Ontario adults, and questionnaires completed by over 100 randomly selected corporate executives. Trends in attitude changes are presented for the general public and executives. This survey focuses on public support for educational funding and major school governance and programme reforms, as well as the roles of universities and provisions for life-long learning in an emerging knowledge society. The goal of the OISE/UT surveys is to enhance public awareness of educational issues and to encourage informed participation in policy making. Timely, revealing, and easy to read, the survey is recommended for educators at all levels, policy-makers, and the general public. Since 1978, the OISE/UT Survey has been the only extensive analysis of public concerns about educational issues in Canada to be published on a regular basis. The survey profiles current patterns and trends in public opinion about policy options for all levels of education. The twelfth survey is based on interviews conducted in late 1998 with a random sample of 1000 Ontario adults, and questionnaires completed by over 100 randomly selected corporate executives. Trends in attitude changes are presented for the general public and executives. This survey focuses on public support for educational funding and major school governance and programme reforms, as well as the roles of universities and provisions for life-long learning in an emerging knowledge society. The goal of the OISE/UT surveys is to enhance public awareness of educational issues and to encourage informed participation in policy making. Timely, revealing, and easy to read, the survey is recommended for educators at all levels, policy-makers, and the general public Contents 5 Tables 8 Highlights 13 Introduction 22 1. General Views: Satisfaction, Quality and Needed Schooling 27 2. Funding Education 33 3. Governing Elementary and Secondary Schools 44 4. Re-Organizing Schools 49 5. Educational Equity Issues 54 6. Universities: Budgeting for Access 58 7. The Importance of a University Education 62 8. Education and Employment 71 9. Lifelong Learning 75 10. Background Differences 82 Concluding Remarks: Navigating the Knowledge Society 96 APPENDIX. Methodology 99 Notes 105 This 12th survey of attitudes towards education is based on interviews conducted in late 1998 with a random sample of 1000 Ontario adults and questionnaires completed by 100 randomly-selected corporate executives. Trends in attitude changes are presented for the general public and executives.