Israeli students below OECD average in test scores
Israeli 9th and 10th grader tested below average in science, math and reading comprehension in PISA study examining education systems across the world; significant gaps found between Hebrew and Arabic speakers.
Israeli 9th and 10th grade students scored lower than most OECD countries in the fields of science, math and reading comprehension, a new study has shown.
Out of 70 countries, Israeli students were rated in 40th place in science, 39th place in math and 37th place in reading comprehension.
The study, conducted every three years, was done by the OECD's Program for International Student Assessment (PISA). It examines education systems worldwide by testing the skills and knowledge of 15-year-old students.
The worrisome findings of the study show that student achievement in Israel is lower than the OECD average and there are significant socio-economic gaps between Jews and Arabs.
The disparity in scores between the average Hebrew speaker and the average Arabic speaker are significant and decidedly in favor of Hebrew speakers, with an 87 point difference in science, 116 point difference in reading and 104 point difference in mathematics.
Similarly, the disparity between varying socioeconomic groups is also striking, with poorer students scoring 91 points less than wealthier students in science, 89 points less in reading and 87 points less in mathematics.
Gaps were discovered between genders, with boys scoring better on average than girls in mathematics and science, while girls tested better in reading comprehension. Among the Arabic-speaking population, girls tested significantly better than boys in science and reading.
Responding to the results of the study, Minister of Education Naftali Bennett said, "These results emphasize the need to narrow gaps in education in Israel. The study took place in the months before I assumed the position of Minister of Education and shows an situation that requires significant improvement in educational achievement. Upon taking office, I have decided to invest the most resources into strengthening mathematics and improving instruction in Israel. There is a long way to go yet. We will continue to invest all we can so that children from Ofakim and Rahat will get the same opportunities as children from Ramat Hasharon."
