Education Minister and Assessment Authority Head Clash Over PISA Test Results
Education Minister Yoav Kisch and Gal Alon, director-general of the National Authority for Measurement and Evaluation, are reportedly in disagreement over the press release concerning the upcoming international PISA test results. The dispute centers on the wording and interpretation of the findings, just one day before the results are set to be published. Sources close to the matter told Kan News that the two are unable to agree on how to present the data.
This latest conflict comes as the Ministry of Education braces for a significant drop in Israel's ranking on the PISA assessments, which are conducted every three years. A senior ministry official indicated to Kan News that Israel is "about to dive in the country rankings," adding that the students were tested during a "problematic period." This refers to the challenging circumstances under which the tests were administered.
The friction between Kisch and Alon is not new. Previously, Kisch attempted to have Alon fired after intervening in the publication of test scores, reportedly seeking to present more favorable outcomes. The Attorney General's Office ultimately intervened, mandating the immediate release of the scores.
Amidst these ongoing disputes, Kisch and Alon had agreed to release English and math scores for sixth graders from the "Tnu'fa" exams, along with very low science scores for ninth graders, by the end of the month. The PISA test, which measures 15-year-olds' proficiency in science, math, and reading, was conducted around the same time as the "Tnu'fa" exams, which also revealed low academic achievements.
Further disagreements have arisen regarding the Ministry of Education and the Measurement and Evaluation Authority's handling of educational failures, with reports that Minister Kisch withheld results from the "Mitz'av" exams to selectively publish only positive scores.
