Shas schools get poor results in national exams

Numbers show nearly half of Shas schools ranked in lowest 10% in level of math, Hebrew; ‘Teachers do not take tests seriously; you cannot force core studies into system,' source with ultra-Orthodox educational system says

Shahar Chai|Published: 05.14.13 , 16:01

More than 40% of the institutions in Shas’ Ma'ayan Hahinuch Hatorani franchise are ranked in the lowest 10% of tests examining schools' efficiency (known as Meitzav tests) in teaching math and Hebrew, data pertaining to 2011-2012 showed.

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The franchise of Shas institutions was established in 1984 and includes schools under the category of "recognized non-official institution." Ma'ayan Hahinuch Hatorani works alongside the Independent Education System franchise. The franchises receive the same funding from the State as do official State institutions, and due to the funding that they receive, their schools are committed to teaching core subjects in full.

The Trajtenberg Committee recommended that teaching of core subjects in the Ma'ayan Hahinuch Hatorani schools be monitored via the Meitzav tests. From 2011, the franchise’s schools have been participating in the tests, sampling second and fifth grade math and Hebrew.

Data retrieved from Madeleine website based on school reports of the Education Ministry for the Ma'ayan Hahinuch Hatorani franchise show the following: There are 171 primary schools attended by 34,643 students. Figures also revealed that 75% of the students are enrolled in schools for which Meitzav examination results were released.

A source working within the ultra-Orthodox educational system said in response to the low achievement rates, "The children, as well as the teachers, do not take the Meitzav tests seriously, which is reflected in the results. These tests are usually not interesting to the parents either. The message sent to the child is, 'fill out the exam, but don’t make too much of an effort.’ At the end of the day, you can't force people to learn core."

Dr. Zvi Zameret, who chaired the Pedagogical Secretariat at the Education Ministry, listed three reasons which he said could lead to the low achievement. "The first reason is the population that attends the school, which is usually a weaker group. The second reason is that these schools place less emphasis on the Meitzav exams. The third reason can be attributed to a negative within the mainstream educational system, where they tell the weaker students to be absent from school on exam day."

'Trying to raise their level'

A source in the franchise also addressed the numbers and rejected the claims, "It's no secret that we work with weak populations, both socioeconomically and pedagogically, and we are trying to raise their level," the official said. "This is the third year we are participating in the Meitzav examinations, we go step-by-step and try as much as possible to bring the children to a realistic educational level."

"We are trying to reach common ground with the appropriate officials. There is no magic in these issues, but there is a desire to bring the students to the highest levels," he added.