Israel's High Education Budget Fails to Deliver Quality Results

Despite allocating nearly 100 billion shekels, Israel's education system is underperforming, ranking low in international comparative tests with a declining trend. This occurs even though Israel has a younger population than other OECD countries, meaning a higher proportion of its citizens are students. The article questions how such a substantial budget, the largest civilian ministry budget after defense, yields such poor outcomes.

Several factors are identified as contributing to this issue. The system is criticized for being overly centralized, with the Ministry of Education setting policy but local authorities handling operations. School principals lack the flexibility to hire teachers based on specific needs, which could foster competition and improve standards. The emphasis on equality, while seemingly positive, allegedly results in a uniformly low standard across the board, particularly evident in English language proficiency, where high school graduates often struggle with basic reading and conversation skills, necessitating private tutoring for adequate preparation.

The role of the Israel Teachers Union is also scrutinized. The article suggests the union's primary achievement has been its own survival, contributing to the system's mediocrity by maintaining low entry standards for teaching, prioritizing seniority over performance, and resisting managerial flexibility. Strikes, often perceived as being about salary, are also seen as assertions of the union's power. While the starting salary for Israeli teachers is significantly lower than in many Western countries, deterring strong candidates, the article acknowledges that many dedicated teachers remain in the profession out of a sense of mission, despite the low pay.

Finally, parental involvement is highlighted as crucial. The article argues that education is not solely dependent on financial investment but also on instilling values at home, such as respect for teachers, critical thinking, and a willingness to learn. Parents are urged to ensure their children are equipped with these essential attitudes and behaviors, alongside their school supplies, as these foundational elements are vital for strengthening the education system.