Education Ministry Probe Finds "Tnu'fa" Test Scores Reliable, But Presentation Misleading

A special investigation committee within Israel's Ministry of Education has concluded that the national "Tnu'fa" test scores were reliable, but their presentation in a report created a misleading picture of student achievement. The committee was formed following a dispute between Minister of Education Yoav Kisch and the National Authority for Measurement and Evaluation (RAE) over the test results. Professor Ami Moyal, chair of the committee, stated that there was no factual basis to doubt the reliability of the examinations themselves, emphasizing that RAE is a professional body operating with high standards. Moyal also ruled that the publication of RAE's professional reports would no longer require the Ministry of Education's approval, addressing claims that the Minister's office had interfered with the release of low scores. In September, Kisch attempted to prevent the publication of the report, which revealed low results, and it was eventually released without coordination with RAE. The report indicated that only 3% of ninth graders in the 2024-2025 school year fully met the curriculum requirements in science and technology, with an additional 16% close to full compliance. In English for sixth graders, 36% fully met requirements, and 15% were close. For sixth-grade math, 37% fully met requirements, and 26% were close.