Israel's Education Minister Halts National Exams, Redefines Academic Standards

Israel's Minister of Education, Yoav Kisch, announced on Tuesday that the ministry will adopt the recommendations from a review report by Professor Ami Moyal concerning the national "Mitzav" (Tnu'fa Le'mahar) assessment system. Kisch stated that while a national measurement and evaluation system is essential, its outputs must lead to genuine pedagogical and managerial improvement, which requires comprehensive systemic and administrative reform. He declared that the National Institute for Testing and Evaluation (NITE) cannot continue its current operations until these recommendations are implemented.

In response, the Ministry of Education plans to implement several measures. These include developing a comprehensive English assessment system covering all required curriculum skills, such as writing, listening comprehension, and speaking. The performance level model and the definition of a baseline standard will be revised, moving away from presenting only the highest level as meeting curriculum requirements. A new educational baseline standard will be defined, reflecting basic learning requirements, alongside performance levels that show the full range of achievements.

Furthermore, raw data, reports, and analyses from NITE will be transferred to the Ministry of Education at all levels. A system for providing secure access to raw data for independent research will be established. Reporting outputs will be adapted for various target audiences, including management, districts, subject supervisors, and school principals. A joint steering committee, appointed by the minister, will be formed immediately to manage decision-making, approve procedures, develop work plans, and remove obstacles. Professional liaisons will be appointed in both bodies for ongoing coordination, and a national council for educational measurement and evaluation policy may be established.

The steering committee will also review and update examination development and public results release procedures, detailing responsibilities, timelines, and dispute resolution mechanisms. Timelines will be shortened, with a goal of delivering results within a few months of the exam. A multi-year strategy for digital assessment and advanced technology integration will be developed. The anonymity model for exams will be professionally reviewed, including the possibility of moving to identified student tests to increase motivation. A unified message for students and schools will be developed, and a detailed technical report will be published for each exam. The ministry also stated that the Director General will lead the implementation process and report regularly to the minister on progress. Until the decisions are fully processed, NITE's work within the Ministry of Education will be suspended.