Israeli Education Minister Halts National Tests Amid Data Dispute
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
Israeli Minister of Education Yoav Kisch has suspended the work of the National Authority for Measurement and Evaluation in Education (RAMA) and halted national "Mitzav" tests pending systemic reforms. The decision follows a review by Professor Ami Moyal that found flaws in the ministry-RAMA relationship and how test results were presented. Moyal's report confirmed the reliability of existing test data but criticized the presentation of high performance as meeting curriculum requirements. The Coalition for the Rescue of State Education criticized the minister's decision as an attempt to avoid addressing educational shortcomings.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Education Minister Yoav Kisch suspended RAMA's work and national "Mitzav" tests pending reforms.
- A review by Professor Ami Moyal found systemic failures between the Ministry of Education and RAMA.
- RAMA's presentation of high test scores as meeting curriculum standards was deemed problematic.
- The reliability of existing test results was affirmed, but their presentation was criticized.
- The Coalition for the Rescue of State Education criticized the move as avoiding educational issues.
A week before elections, Israeli Minister of Education Yoav Kisch announced that the Ministry of Education will prohibit personnel from the National Authority for Measurement and Evaluation in Education (RAMA) from entering ministry offices. Kisch stated that "until the handling of the decisions is completed, RAMA's work will not be carried out in the Ministry of Education." This decision follows a commissioned review by Professor Ami Moyal, which identified systemic failures in the relationship between the Ministry and RAMA. Kisch adopted Moyal's recommendations, declaring, "In light of the conclusions, we will not continue to issue incorrect reports. After correcting the deficiencies, we will return to full operation." He clarified that the national "Mitzav" tests would not be conducted until these issues are resolved. The announcement comes amid a severe and ongoing crisis between Kisch and RAMA's Director General, Gal Alon, exacerbated by recent test results released over a year after the war's outbreak. These results showed only 36% of sixth graders met English proficiency standards and 37% met math standards. Kisch emphasized that while a national measurement system is vital, its outputs require comprehensive systemic and managerial regulation for genuine pedagogical improvement. He outlined nine steps for implementation, including improving English assessments, redefining performance levels, ensuring data transparency, establishing joint coordination committees, and updating work procedures. Moyal's report, while critical of how results were presented, affirmed the reliability of the existing test data and methodology, stating no factual basis existed to doubt their validity. The Coalition for the Rescue of State Education criticized the move, arguing that canceling tests instead of addressing the revealed problems is counterproductive and that Israel needs an education system willing to confront reality.
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