What's Happening?
Israel's Finance Ministry is launching a pilot program to eliminate Friday classes in kindergartens and elementary schools, aligning with the five-day school week standard of OECD countries. The initiative, named 'From Quantity to Quality,' aims to address
teacher shortages and improve educational outcomes by reallocating resources to enhance teacher quality and salaries. The pilot will begin in select communities, with a nationwide rollout planned for the 2027-2028 academic year. The change will reduce the school year by approximately 30 days, with the academic year starting earlier on August 15 to avoid disruptions from fall holidays.
Why It's Important?
This policy shift is significant as it represents a major structural change in Israel's education system, which currently operates on a six-day week. By aligning with international standards, Israel aims to improve the quality of education and address teacher shortages. The reallocation of resources to enhance teacher quality could lead to better educational outcomes and increased competitiveness in the global education landscape. Additionally, the change may influence other countries with similar educational structures to reconsider their policies, potentially leading to broader educational reforms.
What's Next?
The pilot program will be closely monitored to assess its impact on educational outcomes and teacher satisfaction. If successful, the reform will be implemented nationwide in the following school year. Discussions between the Finance Ministry, Teachers' Union, and Education Ministry are expected to continue, with potential adjustments to the plan based on feedback from stakeholders. The initiative may also prompt further discussions on educational reforms in other OECD countries, particularly those facing similar challenges with teacher shortages and educational quality.
