Education Ministry Releases Troubling Student Achievement Data Amid Internal Dispute

Israel's Ministry of Education has released the "Tanufa" test results, also known as the "disputed reports," which reveal a complex picture of student achievements in mathematics, English, science, technology, and Hebrew. The release comes amid a significant professional disagreement between the National Institute for Educational Assessment (RAA"M) and the Ministry of Education, led by Minister Yoav Kisch.

According to the reports, only 3% of 9th-grade students met the curriculum requirements in science and technology, with 54% performing at a low level. In mathematics for 6th graders, 37% achieved a high performance level, but significant gaps were observed between different sectors, with only 23% of Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) students reaching the high level, compared to 32% at the low level. English results for 6th graders showed 36% at a high performance level, with 57% of Haredi students performing at a low level. For Arabic-speaking 6th graders tested in Hebrew, only 20% reached a high performance level, while 29% were at a low level.

The ministry announced that an external professional review, led by Professor Ami Moyal, is examining the presentation of results and RAA"M's work processes with the ministry, following "significant professional claims" raised by Moyal regarding the data presentation and work methods. The ministry stated that its official position will be released after the review concludes.

The "Coalition for the Rescue of State Education" criticized the findings, declaring it an "emergency alarm" and stating that "the students did not fail. RAA"M did not fail. The policy failed." The coalition blamed the ministry's policies for the declining achievements, citing issues like overcrowded classrooms, teacher burnout, and discrimination against state education, and called for a national prioritization of education.