National Education Index: 83% believe the education system is in crisis

To the attention of the next Minister of Education: 83% of respondents in the new "National Education Index" annual survey believe the education system is in crisis. The survey was designed to examine public attitudes regarding priorities and necessary solutions for the coming years.

The survey, conducted ahead of the 2027 school year, is a collaboration between "HaShomer HaChadash" and the Riffman Institute. Given the shortage of teachers, lack of educational continuity, and concerns over violence, the survey aimed to capture the sentiments of parents.

Beyond the crisis, about 40% of the public believe the most urgent issues are strengthening discipline, preventing violence, fostering a connection to the land, teaching life skills, and encouraging community contribution—priorities that rank higher than improving academic achievement or addressing teacher shortages.

Although Israel is approaching elections, 50% of respondents do not believe the next government will lead to meaningful change. Meanwhile, 74% of those surveyed support conditioning funding for educational institutions on the full implementation of the core curriculum, including in ultra-Orthodox schools.

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In the upcoming 2027 school year, the Ministry of Education will shift part of the learning process to artificial intelligence, particularly in middle schools where English will be taught via AI. However, 60% of parents believe the system is not yet prepared for the AI era.

The survey was conducted by the Smith Institute, led by Rafi Smith, among a representative sample of 800 people. Hagai Reznik, head of the Riffman Institute, stated: "The lack of trust from half the parents in the government's ability to lead change requires a rethink. The public demands a fair, 21st-century-adapted system that strengthens value-based education and the connection to agriculture, the Negev, and the country."

Public opinion also points toward a desired direction: 84% want to strengthen Zionist identity and personal responsibility. 86% support integrating volunteering into the curriculum, and 80% believe Zionist youth movements play a central role in shaping the young generation's identity.

Yoel Zilberman, founder and CEO of "HaShomer HaChadash," noted: "The public is telling us clearly: education is not measured only by grades, but by building the person—through discipline, values, and action for others. This data is a wake-up call." On Riffman, Deputy CEO of Education, added: "The state must invest much more in this future generation, which will lead the IDF, the Knesset, academia, and the high-tech sector."