Israel's PISA Results Reveal Deep Educational Gaps and Low Achievement
Recent PISA 2025 test results for Israeli 15-year-olds show a concerning decline in academic achievement, with only 54% reaching basic math proficiency, 59% in reading, and 60% in science. These figures represent Israel's lowest scores since its participation in the PISA assessments. The results highlight not only low overall performance but also significant disparities between different population groups.
In mathematics, only 23% of Arabic-speaking students achieved basic proficiency, compared to 62% of other students. Similar gaps were observed in reading (25% vs. 68%) and science (32% vs. 67%). These findings echo previous national assessments, such as the "Tnu'fa" (Meitzav) tests for eighth graders, which also indicated low achievement and substantial gaps, particularly in native language and English proficiency between Hebrew-speaking and Arabic-speaking schools.
The Ministry of Education attributed some of the decline to the ongoing war, which has deeply impacted the education system. However, the article argues that the war cannot explain the persistent and long-standing achievement gaps between demographic groups, which predate the conflict and are evident across various metrics.
The author emphasizes that these disparities raise serious questions about equal opportunities within the education system. The consequences extend beyond schooling, potentially limiting future opportunities for students and exacerbating existing societal inequalities. The article calls for immediate action, urging that improving academic performance and reducing these gaps become a national priority with clear targets, accountability, and effective interventions for all students.
The goal is twofold: to raise the overall academic level and to break the correlation between a student's background and their educational success. The author stresses that future assessments should reflect tangible progress and the beginning of a positive change in the education system.
