Israel Sees 9% Rise in Special Education Students Ahead of New School Year

Five days before the start of the 2023-2024 school year, Israeli Education Minister Yoav Kisch and Education Ministry Director Meir Shimoni presented the system's readiness at the Knesset Education Committee. Approximately 2.611 million students will attend 27,757 educational institutions, including 21,800 kindergartens and 5,957 schools, supported by around 260,000 education staff. Despite ongoing efforts, the ministry reported a shortage of 800 teachers and 20 kindergarten teachers, a significant improvement from May when the deficit was about 3,000, mostly concentrated in the central region. The ministry has recruited 1,000 high-tech professionals, reinstated nearly 1,000 retirees, and involved senior students to address the gaps.

Minister Kisch emphasized the system's preparedness and dismissed concerns about teacher union conflicts, noting that staff shortages are still being addressed and the situation is better than last year. He explained that annually 5,000 to 7,000 educators retire, with shortages more acute in Tel Aviv and central districts due to high living costs and uniform salaries nationwide. During the session, school principals protested over unaddressed concerns but were removed from the hall; Kisch assured he is addressing their issues.

A key highlight was the 9% increase in special education students, now totaling 418,385, representing 16% of all Israeli students. Kisch stressed that implementing the Shapira Committee recommendations requires an initial budget of 15 billion shekels, with ongoing disputes with the Finance Ministry over execution. He warned the education system cannot sustain the growing special education demands under current conditions and called for a multi-year budget akin to the defense budget, delayed so far by the war.

Regarding funding changes for special education in secondary schools, the ministry described them as corrections rather than cuts, with an increase of over 2.5 billion shekels. However, local authorities, parents, and civil organizations expressed concerns about potential negative impacts on services for special needs students.

The ministry also plans to integrate artificial intelligence into education, introduce financial literacy for grades 9-10, and launch a personalized AI-based learning program for middle schools. Kisch noted technology could free teachers to focus more on student support. The issue of violence in schools was addressed, with a new interministerial committee involving welfare, health, public security, police, parents, and civil groups. Additionally, funding will be allocated for two to three "parent schools" to help families manage parenting challenges starting this school year.