The Honourable Jeffrey E. Lantz, Minister of Education released today the results of a public opinion survey conducted in January 2000 which collected the opinions of PEI residents on the programs and services provided by or supported by the Department.
"This survey was initiated as part of the Department of Education's strategic planning process," said Minister Lantz. "It will assist the Department in gaining insight into and establishing a bench mark of the public's opinion of education in the province."
The reports states that residents of Prince Edward Island hold positive opinions about the state of education on PEI and about the programs that fall under the Department of Education.
"This report provides the Department with a good gauge upon which to measure future opinion surveys," said Minister Lantz.
The survey included a random sampling of 407 respondents who reflect the demographics of PEI. Respondents were asked their opinion in a number of areas, including: public education (Grades 1 to 12); continuing education and training; adult literacy and upgrading; Provincial Library Service; Public Archives and Records Office; culture and heritage; recreation and sport; and public service. (On May 1, 2000, the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs assumed responsibility for the Division of Culture, Heritage, Recreation and Sport which includes libraries and archives.)
Minister Lantz said the Department of Education is responsible for ensuring equitable opportunities for lifelong learning in PEI.
"The Department is committed to monitoring and reporting the results of its programs and services."
The Department gathers feedback from its clients in different ways; through its ongoing provision of programs and services, as well as through active liaison and partnerships with stakeholders throughout the province. The public opinion survey is another way that the Department can assess public opinion on program services on a regular and ongoing basis.
The survey was conducted in January 2000 by the Marketing Research Centre at te University College of Cape Breton. The survey was administered by telephone, using a Computer-Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI) software package. Copies of the report are available at Island Information Service at 368-4000.