Relationships between administrative performance and the goals of Canada's official languages in education program

This study investigated the effectiveness of specified administrative functions in achieving the goals of Canada's Official Languages in Education Program. Data for the study were obtained through a structured and open-ended questionnaire mailed to 68 senior executive personnel in the provincial and federal governments and the council of Ministers of Education, Canada. Eighty-five percent of those surveyed returned usable questionnaires.

The primary analysis of provincial administrative functions on the structured questionnaire indicated that the provincial goal attainment exceeded the administrative performance level. A correlated T-test indicated, however, that these differences were not statistically different.

In the open-ended questionnaire, provincial respondents indicated a variety of problems in administering the Official Languages in Education Program including manpower shortages, lack of personnel and knowledge to evaluate minority and second-language programs, difficulties in priority setting, budgetary planning problems due to the absence of a negotiated agreement for 1988-93, matching federal contributions to the program and future funding for the program due to the Charter of Rights.

The primary analysis of federal administrative functions on the structural questionnaire indicated that federal administrative performance exceeded the goal attainment level. A correlated T-test indicated that there was a statistically significant difference between the mean administrative performance rating and the mean goal attainment rating.

In the open-ended questionnaire, federal respondents reported problems in administering the Official Languages in Education Program as a result of manpower shortages, monitoring federal contributions for francophone support with provincial jurisdiction over education, and problems with non-indexation of current funding.

The Council of Ministers of Education, Canada indicated problems with manpower shortages, meeting increased expectations with decreased resources, administering federal funds in an area of exclusive provincial jurisdiction and arriving at a national standard and criteria that can be applied in all provinces and territories.

Based on the findings of this study, the author posited nine recommendations related to the evaluation and funding of this program.