Israel to Miss International Exams Following Education Minister's Order
Translated & summarized from Calcalist by baba
Education Minister Yoav Kisch's directive to halt cooperation with the National Institute for Testing and Evaluation in Education (NITE) will prevent Israel's participation in international TIMSS exams. The decision also impacts 40 national tests and surveys and the integration of a specific education network into Tnu'fa tests. NITE's Director General has sought an expedited legal review of the minister's actions, which occurred during an election period. The Ministry of Education claims the move addresses NITE's failures, not political interference, and that international testing will continue under supervision.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Education Minister Yoav Kisch's order will prevent Israel from participating in international TIMSS math and science exams.
- The directive also halts 40 national tests and surveys and affects the Tnu'fa testing program.
- NITE Director General Gal Alon is seeking an expedited legal review of the minister's decision.
- A senior source claims the minister acted to prevent evaluation of his tenure.
- An independent report found NITE operates professionally, contrary to the minister's allegations.
An order from Education Minister Yoav Kisch to cease cooperation between the Ministry of Education and the National Institute for Testing and Evaluation in Education (NITE) will prevent Israel from participating in the international TIMSS tests for eighth graders in math and science, which are comparable to the PISA exams. The directive also halts approximately 40 national tests and surveys currently in development and prevents the integration of the Independent Education Network of Agudat Yisrael into the Tnu'fa tests for the first time. This information comes from a letter sent by NITE Director General Dr. Gal Alon to the Ministry of Education's Legal Advisor, Sarit Haik Spiegelstein, on Wednesday. The legal advisor is examining the legality of Kisch's decision to halt NITE's activities and revoke its independence, particularly given that the move occurred during an election period. Alon has requested an expedited legal opinion.
A senior source in the education system stated that the Minister of Education "decided to burn the club," ensuring that even if Kisch leaves office, there will be no data to evaluate his tenure. Kisch initiated a fierce conflict with NITE last May after Director General Gal Alon thwarted his attempts to manipulate test results. Kisch subsequently appointed Professor Ami Moyal, Chairman of the Planning and Budgeting Committee of the Council for Higher Education, to investigate his allegations against NITE. Moyal's report, released Tuesday, concluded that NITE operates professionally. Despite adopting the report's findings, Kisch, contrary to the report's recommendations, ordered a freeze on NITE's activities.
The Minister of Education's office issued a statement asserting that claims of "political interference" and harm to international testing are a "spin" designed to mask NITE's managerial and professional failures. The ministry stated that the minister's decision does not isolate Israel internationally, as the Tnu'fa tests and international research will continue under the supervision of a steering committee. The statement affirmed the minister and the ministry's commitment to professional and reliable measurement, advising the NITE Director General to focus on rectifying deficiencies.
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