Israeli Education Minister Outlines Ambitious Decade-Long Reform Plan

Education Minister Yoav Kisch discussed his vision for the Israeli education system during a car ride to a school in Ramla, coinciding with the start of the new academic year, תשפ"ז (2026-2027). He highlighted the system's resilience in opening on schedule despite ongoing challenges from the war, which displaced tens of thousands of students and disrupted learning.

Kisch detailed a "New Deal for Education" plan intended to transform the system over the next decade. Key proposals include reducing class sizes to a maximum of 19 students, shifting to a five-day school week, and renegotiating teacher salary agreements. He emphasized the need for long-term strategic planning beyond annual budgets.

A significant component of the reform involves integrating artificial intelligence into education. Kisch announced that the '720' system, piloted last year, will be implemented in 7th and 8th grades this year. He believes AI will fundamentally alter the teacher's role, shifting it from knowledge dissemination to mentorship, focusing on students' emotional well-being and resilience.

The minister also addressed criticisms from coalition partner Bezalel Smotrich, who called for a "trampling and rebuilding" of the education system. Kisch disagreed with this approach, stating it showed a lack of understanding of the system's complexities, particularly during wartime. While agreeing on the need for new salary agreements, he rejected a "take it or leave it" mentality.

Kisch expressed his desire to continue as Education Minister for another term to see this comprehensive reform through, citing the need for significant investment and a shift in how educational challenges are addressed.