Following the coronavirus pandemic, math and science test scores dropped by an average of 11 or 12 points globally, but they dropped 32 points in Israel, a study released Wednesday showed.
The Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMMS), conducted in Israel in May 2023, checked the math and science knowledge and skills of 8th-grade students in 44 countries and three educational entities around the world.Israel fell from 16th place among examined countries in 2019 to 25th place in 2023 when looking at results for the science test.In math, the results were even more drastic, with Israel dropping from 9th in 2019 to 23rd in 2023.There was a sharp increase in the number of students struggling in math and science, with one in five classified as “under the threshold,” the Education Ministry said. This is compared to one in eight in 2019.
The gap between Hebrew- and Arabic-speaking students also increased, the ministry added. Hebrew-speaking students dropped 26 points in math and 29 in science, while Arabic-speaking students dropped 56 and 49 points, respectively.
Israel's Education Ministry plans overhaul
The Education Ministry highlighted the fact that Israel ordered coronavirus lockdowns for around 130 days, while some countries that had fewer lockdown days saw improvements to their TIMMS results.
The test results reflect a conservative response to the coronavirus pandemic and security challenges, the ministry said.The ministry also highlighted plans and core processes intended to improve the achievements of students in these subjects.The plan includes new curricula that meet international standards, mandating 15 class hours of math and 14 of science, new testing, and incorporating digital tools and AI in teaching.The ministry also highlighted support systems, including a government decision to form an advisory team for the minister on STEM subjects, incorporating professionals in the education system, and more.“Investing in the next generation is the most secure guarantee for strengthening national resilience. Once the war ends, we will demand an additional budget allocation of NIS 1 billion for the education system to address the new challenges,” Education Minister Yoav Kisch said.