Israel's PISA Scores Plummet to Record Lows Amidst War

New results from the 2025 PISA test reveal a significant decline in academic performance among Israeli 15-year-olds, marking the lowest scores since the country began participating in the triennial assessment. Israel dropped 38 points in reading comprehension, 25 in mathematics, and 23 in science. The test, which surveyed 7,330 students from 215 schools between March and April, was conducted during the ongoing war, with students from evacuated communities near the northern and southern borders excluded.

The data indicates a concerning trend, with nearly half of students failing to reach a basic proficiency level in mathematics, a situation unprecedented in the study's comparisons. Israel is one of only four countries to experience a drop of 35 points or more in a single cycle. The proportion of students struggling academically reached its highest point since 2006, with approximately 46% not meeting the basic math standard, 41% in reading, and 40% in science. The percentage of high-achieving students in reading also saw a sharp decrease, falling from 11% to 5%.

Beyond academic scores, the PISA results highlight issues with discipline and school attendance in Israel. Almost 37% of students reported missing at least a full school day in the two weeks prior to the test, compared to 22% among OECD countries. Additionally, about 45% admitted to skipping individual classes, versus a 24% OECD average. A significant portion of students, 37%, view school as a "waste of time," and classroom disruptions due to noise and disorder are prevalent, with 35% reporting constant disturbances and 30% stating that discipline problems hinder their concentration.

Minister of Education Yoav Kisch acknowledged the results, attributing them to the "deep disruptions" caused by the war. He emphasized that the scores are a testament to the resilience of the Israeli education system, stating that Israel maintained its 2018 standing in reading and science and only dropped one place in math. Kisch credited the teachers for their efforts during the difficult period and affirmed the decision to conduct the test during wartime to obtain an accurate picture, promising to use the data for improvement and growth.