Teachers Union Head Slams Education Minister Over PISA Results

Ran Erez, chairman of the Teachers Union, launched a scathing attack on Education Minister Yoav Kisch, citing poor performance in the latest PISA test results. Erez stated on 103fm that Kisch is promoting AI initiatives while students lack basic reading comprehension, calling the minister's tenure a failure. He criticized Kisch's inconsistent policies over the past four years, dismissing a recent video about the war as irrelevant.

Erez argued that the PISA results, which assess 10th graders, reveal a fundamental inability in mathematics, science, and language, indicating a widespread reading comprehension deficit. He attributed this failure to Kisch's poor management of the education system, stating that a strong leader is needed and that Kisch is not that person. Erez also criticized the lack of investment in online learning and the premature push for AI integration.

The union leader further described the education system as chaotic, with teachers leaving the profession due to a lack of respect and new educators not entering the field. He alleged that parents are influencing teacher's grades, leading to anarchy. Erez emphasized that this failure is long-standing, with no government prioritizing education, which he believes is the foundation for national security, livelihood, economy, and healthcare.

Erez accused Kisch of attempting to conceal the PISA results and highlighted a conflict of interest in the minister's multiple roles within the Ministry of Education. He questioned Kisch's capacity to manage the vast system of 200,000 teachers and 2 million students, even doubting his basic competence. Erez also suggested political motivations behind education funding, particularly in the Haredi sector, linking it to party consolidation and ministerial appointments.

As a solution, Erez called for restoring discipline in schools and allowing teachers autonomy in their classrooms, free from interference from parents, the ministry, or politicians. He reiterated that Kisch should resign, expressing concern that another four years under his leadership would lead to further destruction of the education system.