Weak in Reading, Math, and Science: Israeli Students' Scores in the International Test are Revealed

According to the findings of the PISA test that took place around the world in 2018, and published by the OECD, Israeli students' scores are lower than average in developed countries. The scores in Arab society at an unprecedented low. Gaps in student achievement from different backgrounds were also found. Ministry of Education: "We will set up a special team to streamline programs"

Weak in Reading, Math, and Science: Israeli Students' Scores in the International Test are Revealed

Israeli students' scores in reading, math and science are lower than the average of developed countries - according to the findings of the PISA 2018 test, which was held worldwide and in Israel and published today (Tuesday) by the OECD. The findings also show that the Israeli education system is in first place in gaps between Jews and Arabs, and that the status of students in Arab society is at an unprecedented low, with their scores falling even further from the previous test scores that occurred in 2015. The Education Ministry announced that they had decided to appoint an examination team to examine the circumstances To the sharp decline in student achievement in Arab society.

In terms of reading skills of its students, Israel is ranked 37th out of 77 countries and remains in the same place from the previous test. Israel's average score is 470 points versus 487 points in the OECD average.

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Comparison of Hebrew-speaking scores in the 2018 test in reading versus 2015 scores

PISA data (Photo: official website)

In science, Israel's average score is 462 points versus 489 points on the OECD average. Israel ranks 42nd in the 79 countries that participated in the study, down two places from the previous test that took place in 2015.

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Comparison of Hebrew-speaking scores in the 2018 test in the field of science versus 2015 scores

PISA data (Photo: official website)

In the math abilities of its students, where Israel's average score is 643 points versus 489 points on the OECD average, Israel ranks 41st out of the 79 countries that participated in the study.

Comparison of Hebrew-speaking scores in the 2018 math test versus 2015 scores

PISA data (Photo: official website)

The data shows an unprecedented drop in student scores in the Arab sector. Despite the large budget investment, students in the Arab sector in Israel are at the bottom of the table of countries, with considerable gaps in achievement between Hebrew-speaking and Arabic-speaking students. For example, the points gap between Jewish and Arab students in each of the three areas is 144 in favor of Hebrew speakers in reading, 111 math points and 116 science points.

Gaps in scores between Jewish and Arab students in the Pisa 2018 test

PISA data (Photo: official website)

Among Hebrew speakers, 4% of students were classified as outstanding in all three areas, while among Arab speakers, the rate was zero. Twelve percent of Hebrew-speaking students were classified as having difficulty in all three areas together, and among Arabic speakers, more than half of the students were classified as having difficulty in all areas (53%).

Comparison of Arabic-speaking scores in the 2018 reading test versus 2015 scores

PISA data (Photo: official website)

This year, too, in all areas, gaps in students' achievement from different levels of social, cultural and economic backgrounds were noted: the higher the socio-cultural-economic background, the higher the achievement. The gap in achievement between high school students and low background students is about 80 points among Hebrew speakers and about 65 points among Arabic speakers. The gaps in achievement between Hebrew-speaking and Arabic-speaking students remain significant even when comparing students from the same level of socio-cultural-economic background.

Comparison of Arabic-speaking scores in the 2018 math test versus 2015 scores

PISA data (Photo: official website)

In the PISA 2018 test, 79 countries and economic entities participated, including all 37 OECD countries and more than half a million students. The top of the table of achievement in the three professions occupies Asian students with China in first place in all three professions. Alongside China are the countries of Singapore, Macau, Estonia, Japan, Finland and Canada. Countries at the bottom of the table are: Philippines, Dominican Republic, Kosovo and Panama.

Comparison of Arabic-speaking scores in the 2018 test in the field of science versus 2015 scores

PISA data (Photo: official website)

Israeli students were examined in March 2018 during the time of Education Minister Naftali Bennett. Shmuel Abuav, Director General of the Ministry of Education, said when publishing the data that "Pisa's findings indicate consistent gaps between Hebrew and Arabic speakers - a figure that requires us to change our direction. In accordance with the instructions of the Minister of Education, a work team will be set up to formulate a comprehensive program with differential, focused and specific reference. The workforce will turn every stone, examine the curricula, resource allocation efficiency, and how thousands of cultivation hours are spent. "

Abuav added that "the quality of teaching quality improvement will continue, and we will continue to go on a regular basis - to take a closer look at the pace of student progress. Improve, streamline and focus work programs, teaching methods and curricula. "