The subcommittee recommends that higher education in Israel be expanded and based on three institution types: Research Universities, Academic Colleges [the equivalent of the American Four Year Colleges], and Community Colleges [to be established].
The Research Universities should emphasize graduate studies [M.A. and M.Sc. with thesis and Ph.D.] and restructure their undergraduate curricula towards Honors Programs leading directly to Ph.D. studies.
The Academic Colleges should mainly specialize in a variety of undergraduate studies, both general academic and professional, and include a small number of selected Master’s degree programs.
The Community Colleges should offer a two-year curriculum with the possibility of continuing studies at the universities and academic colleges and transfer of credits for a series of basic courses. Admission to the community colleges should be liberal in order to provide a second chance for a wide population of potential students. The admission policy to the academic colleges and to the universities should remain selective and the requirements should include a full high school matriculation diploma [“bagrut”], external examinations in certain basic subjects [“mitsraf”] and a psychometric test. This policy will not only ensure a high academic level at the first two institutions of higher education, but will also encourage the development of high standards of teaching in the secondary school system.
The Subcommittee recommends that during the expansion of the Higher Education System, measures be taken in order to raise the academic standards in all institutions.
