Catastrophe in Israeli schools: most students have not mastered the curriculum

Education Minister Yoav Kisch published the results of the MEITZAV exams, which he had previously refused to disclose. The data shows critically low levels of knowledge: in ninth-grade science, only 3% of students achieved a high level, while 81% were at the two lowest levels. The worst results were in ultra-Orthodox and Bedouin schools. The publication was preceded by a conflict with RAMA.

Education Minister Yoav Kisch published the results of the MEITZAV school exams on Tuesday evening, September 8, after refusing to disclose them for several months due to disagreements with the National Authority for Measurement and Evaluation in Education (RAMA). The data shows low levels of knowledge in science, mathematics, and English, as well as significant gaps between socio-economic groups and school systems. The most severe situation is in ninth-grade science and technology: only 3% of students demonstrated a high level of knowledge, 16% achieved medium or high levels, and 81% were at the two lowest levels. The worst results were recorded in ultra-Orthodox schools and among Bedouin students. The publication followed a prolonged conflict: Kisch banned the release of the reports, claiming the data was distorted, but the government's legal advisor ruled that the minister cannot prevent publication. Ultimately, Kisch published the materials without coordination with RAMA. A senior source in the education system stated that the minister published a non-final version of the reports.