Israeli Education Reform Proposal Aims to Boost Inclusion of Special Needs Students in General Schools
A significant education reform aimed at increasing the inclusion of special needs students in Israel's general education system was prepared in March 2025 by a public committee led by entrepreneur Amos Shapira. The reform addresses a critical issue: only about 60% of students eligible for special education services were integrated into general classrooms during the 2024-2025 school year, compared to over 90% integration rates in most developed countries. The Shapira Committee estimated that implementing its recommendations could raise Israel's inclusion rate to at least 80%.
The number of students requiring special education services is growing annually by approximately 10%, far outpacing the general student population growth of 1.6%. The committee highlighted that failing to provide early and appropriate support within general education increases the likelihood that students will later require separate, more costly special education settings. To address this, the committee proposed a paradigm shift called "inverting the pyramid," focusing on early intervention and support within general classrooms rather than waiting for problems to escalate.
Key recommendations include reducing average class sizes to 19 students (down from 27), decreasing direct teaching hours, adopting a five-day school week, and integrating special education training into all teacher education programs to equip teachers with skills to support diverse learners. Despite government declarations supporting the committee's conclusions, political and budgetary challenges have delayed implementation. The next government will face the task of advancing this reform to improve inclusion and support for special needs students in Israel's education system.
This reform discussion was scheduled for a Knesset Education Committee debate but was postponed, underscoring the ongoing challenges in advancing education policy. The article emphasizes the importance of remembering this plan amid numerous election promises related to education.
