Arab Students Show No Improvement in PISA Results, Official Says

Recent PISA 2025 exam results revealed a significant decline in academic performance among students in Israel across reading, mathematics, and science. While Jewish students saw a drop in their scores compared to previous tests, Arab students neither declined nor improved, according to Shireen Hafi Natour, director of the education division in the Arab community. Natour emphasized the need for a granular analysis of the data, broken down by priorities, schools, and localities, to understand the reasons behind the stagnation and develop targeted solutions.

Natour described the situation as "worrying" but also an opportunity for the Ministry of Education to take responsibility and enhance student skills. She clarified that the goal of the PISA test is not high scores but to use it as a global indicator of essential modern skills, advocating for a shift from rote learning to an educational approach that fosters critical thinking and analytical abilities.

She also highlighted the Arabic language as a significant challenge, particularly in mastering formal Arabic for reading comprehension and written expression, noting a gap between daily spoken language and the formal Arabic required for academic success. The Ministry has developed new curricula for middle and high school Arabic and is implementing programs to strengthen the language's standing among students.

Natour stressed that curriculum changes alone are insufficient, pointing to the need for comprehensive reforms including teacher training, professional development, school leadership support, and increased parental involvement. The Ministry has initiated a nationwide plan for change in Arab schools, involving more guidance counselors and tailored educational programs. Additionally, efforts are underway to obtain more detailed data from RAMA to enable school principals to create specific action plans for their students. While preparations for the next PISA exam began last year, Natour asserted that international tests are not the sole measure of the Arab education system, citing notable improvements in matriculation exam (Baggru) results and increased Arab student university enrollment.