91% HISTORY TEACHERS SAY IT IS IMPORTANT FOR STUDENTS NATION-WIDE TO ACQUIRE THE SAME BODY OF HISTORICAL KNOWLEDGE

October 19, 2001

An Ipsos-Reid poll conducted for the Dominion Institute shows that history teachers overwhelmingly support national standards for history education and believe that the history of Canada at war is the most important event for students to learn about in school.

Survey highlights include: fully 87% of history teachers would support their province participating in the development of national standards; this includes some 74% of Quebec educators. 69% say they would use a voluntary national history exam in their classroom; and a majority (56%) would support the introduction of mandatory testing in history and social sciences. In additional to saying that "Canada at War" is the most important event to teach kids about, 61% think not enough is being done to recognise veterans' contributions.

Detailed summary of the poll results are contained in the following pages of this release.

The survey was conducted between March 29th and April 30th, 2001. The results were then complied in July and August. A total of 766 heads of high school history departments from across Canada (including CEGEP in Quebec) were surveyed, yielding results considered accurate 177 3.6%, 19 times out of 20. This poll is the largest of its kind ever conducted.

The Dominion Institute's executive director, Rudyard Griffiths comments: "After September 11 it is vital that our schools educate kids about Canada's historic contributions to the fight for freedom and democracy world-wide. This poll shows that teachers want more history, especially military history, taught in schools." Griffiths continues: "These findings though run counter to the shameful fact that currently only four provinces require students to take a Canadian history course to graduate from high school."

The Dominion Institute is a national charity dedicated to promoting greater knowledge and appreciation of the country's history. This survey was sponsored by the Donner Canadian Foundation as part of its ongoing support of public policy research in Canada.

To review the complete media release and analysis of findings please download the PDF files.

CONTACTS FOR COMMENTARY AND ANALYSIS

Rudyard Griffiths
The Dominion Institute
(416) 368-9627

John Wright
IPSOS-REID
(416) 324-2900