Systemic Failure Revealed in Israeli Education Ministry's Testing Crisis

The dispute escalated after Kisch ordered RAMA not to publish the "Tnu'fa" science test results, which showed only 3% of ninth-grade students met the required standard. Kisch had alleged serious professional failures and malicious intent by RAMA, and had initiated proceedings to dismiss RAMA's Director General, Dr. Gal Alon. Alon in turn accused the ministry of attempting to distort findings and demanding the deletion of results.

While validating the reliability of the exams, Professor Moyal agreed with Kisch that presenting the highest achievement level as the sole indicator of meeting curriculum requirements is professionally problematic and misleading. He noted, however, that the Ministry of Education was involved in setting these standards through joint professional procedures.

The report sharply criticized the strained relationship and crisis of trust between the Ministry of Education and RAMA, which hinders the ability to conduct regular evaluations of the education system. Professor Moyal recommended legislative action to formalize RAMA's status, establish an independent professional council, and define clearer divisions of authority.