In recent years, Israel’s education system, particularly its public education sector, has faced significant upheavals. These challenges stem from growing societal polarization, the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic, and persistent security and national crises. Decision-makers in the field of education are grappling with enormous challenges, including teacher shortages, insufficient teacher training, stark disparities in student achievement—among the widest globally—and a critical lack of data to inform policy decisions.
The polarization within Israeli society is deeply intertwined with the fragmentation of the nation’s educational systems, which serve different segments of the population. These systems vary significantly in nature, encompassing state secular education, state religious education, Arab-sector education, and independent ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) schools. Additional streams and sub-streams, such as democratic education, church schools, and others, further diversify the landscape.
To address these pressing issues and identify opportunities for improvement, we have initiated a round table discussion bringing together experts from diverse fields, including academic and applied research, policymakers in education, and representatives from various sectors and industries.
The primary aim of this round table is to help the education sector develop a clear research and practical focus. Discussions will center on key topics, including mapping policy needs in Israeli education, defining “public education,” leveraging data to support evidence-based policymaking, and designing a shared core curriculum that bridges all societal sectors.
This collaborative effort seeks to foster actionable insights and drive meaningful progress in shaping Israel’s educational future.
