Israel Launches New School Year With Focus on Finance, AI, and Resilience

Israel's education system welcomed approximately 2.611 million students back to schools and kindergartens on Tuesday for the start of the 2024-2025 academic year. This includes around 180,000 first-graders embarking on their educational journey and 159,000 twelfth-graders entering their final year. The Ministry of Education is introducing several significant changes this year, including mandatory financial literacy for ninth graders, expanded use of artificial intelligence in learning, and enhanced studies in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

The first week of the academic year will prioritize strengthening students' resilience, sense of belonging, and social connections. Schools are encouraged to focus on fostering trust between students and staff, addressing issues like violence, bullying, and social exclusion, both online and offline. The ministry emphasizes that a secure and inclusive environment is crucial for effective learning.

Key innovations for the year include the introduction of financial education for ninth graders, aiming to equip them with practical money management skills before entering adulthood. This subject is slated for expansion to tenth grade in the following year. Artificial intelligence will be more deeply integrated into the curriculum, with AI tools being incorporated into matriculation exams in STEM fields and dedicated AI majors offered in 27 schools. Over 12,000 English and STEM teachers will receive AI training, and eighth and ninth graders will undergo a 20-hour AI literacy program.

These initiatives are part of the "Real Israel" reform, which aims to bolster STEM education and prepare students for higher education, military service, and the workforce. The ministry has set a goal to return Israel to the top ten in the international TIMSS math and science assessments by 2029. Despite these advancements, the education system faces challenges, including a shortage of approximately 800 teachers and 20 kindergarten teachers at the start of the year. Additionally, the number of students requiring special education services has increased by 9% compared to the previous year.

Parental fees for the upcoming year will remain unchanged from the previous year. Mandatory fees for personal accident insurance will be 69 shekels per student, with optional fees for activities like cultural programs and field trips ranging from 253 to 1,372 shekels.