Breaking

International PISA examination results reveal a dramatic deterioration in Israel’s education system, with significant declines in mathematics, science and reading comprehension – marking the largest drops in the nation’s history. Multiple sources (Ynet, Israel Hayom) report that Israeli students are now performing below OECD averages, with results suggesting students have lost approximately two years of learning.

The education ministry attributes the decline to impacts of the October 7 war and subsequent military operations. However, sources indicate that before the results were published, various parties attempted to influence how the data would be presented and interpreted.

Education Minister Yoav Kisch faced criticism for attempting to minimise the historic decline. Senior ministry officials accused Kisch of comparing results to 2018 figures rather than more recent benchmarks, and of dismissing reports from school administrators about teacher shortages. Kisch characterised the results as evidence of ‘exceptional resilience’ given the war context, but critics argue this misrepresents the scale of educational deterioration.

The significance of these results extends beyond academic performance, indicating systemic challenges in Israel’s education infrastructure that may have long-term consequences for the nation’s workforce and competitiveness.

Sources: Ynet, Walla, www.israelhayom.co.il, Times of Israel, Jerusalem Post