PISA Scores Plummet to Lowest Since 2006 Amid Discipline Crisis

International PISA test results for 2025 reveal a significant decline in academic achievement among Israeli students, marking the lowest scores recorded in the country since 2006. The data shows a dramatic drop of 38 points in reading literacy, 25 points in mathematics, and 23 points in science, a sharp and unusual decrease compared to other OECD nations.

The findings indicate that 46% of Israeli students do not meet the basic proficiency level in mathematics, and approximately 40% struggle with reading and science. Beyond academic performance, the report highlights a severe discipline breakdown in schools. Sixty-three percent of students are frequently late for class, about 37% perceive school as a "waste of time," and nearly a quarter are consistently distracted by smartphones during lessons.

Furthermore, the study notes that around 49% of students use artificial intelligence weekly, primarily as a shortcut to bypass writing and research assignments. Responding to the alarming results, Education Minister Yoav Kisch attributed the decline to the security situation during which the tests were administered. However, the current data starkly contrasts with previous promises of improvement in international metrics, signaling a deep and ongoing crisis within Israel's education system.