Society

The special education budget in Israel has increased by 2.5 billion shekels, reaching 26.5 billion in 2026. The number of students in the system has grown by 8.8%, significantly outpacing the growth rate of the general education system.

Although it often flies under the radar, local government is one of the most important players in the education system. Municipalities spend thousands of shekels on every student, but they are less active when they need to understand exactly where the money is going. And also: how did it happen that a small and surprising city took first place in the ranking of investment in education?

Teachers' testimonies revealed: violence, threats, curses, and humiliation by students and parents have become a daily routine. The Teachers' Union warns that "there is no safety net for those who have suffered violence," while no body in the country checks how many teachers have been attacked - and the Ministry of Education claims: "Teaching staff receive a safety net."

A shortage of thousands of aides, low wages, and a blind placement system have created a parallel market: affluent parents "supplement wages" out of their own pockets to ensure proper accompaniment for their children, while others are left behind. Aides speak out, experts warn: "The inclusion system in Israel is on the verge of collapse."

Following numerous inquiries and in light of the spreading online phenomenon where students hit and act violently towards younger ones, the education system is trying to eradicate the phenomenon. "As a parent, I know there is no such thing as 'just a joke'," called the chair of the parents' leadership at the Mossinzon youth village.

Just before the summer vacation ends and children return to school, it is time to slow down and not add more tasks to the list. Dr. Adam Yisraeli explains why sleep, a sense of control, and emotional resilience are more important than reviewing material.

Born in Tel Aviv and closely connected to the Gur Hasidic dynasty, Dr. Yitzhak Alfasi leaves behind dozens of books and exceptional historical studies that earned him immense respect in both academic and religious circles.

180,000 children will enter the school gates for the first time in their lives next week. What are the most common names among first graders, and in which localities is their share of the population the largest? These are the numbers behind the students who are starting a challenging 12-year journey on September 1st.

Program 7, from the "Pitchon Lev" organization, intended for teenagers facing academic, social, and complex socio-economic difficulties, began operating in 2004. According to 2026 figures, 98% of the teenagers participating in the program enlisted in the IDF or national service, and 87% enrolled in academic or vocational studies.

Ministry of Education data presented to the Knesset Education Committee reveals the scale of the system ahead of the new school year. Over half a million children will attend kindergartens, while approximately 2.08 million will study in grades 1-12. Some 418,000 students are eligible for special education services.

The transition from kindergarten to school requires children to adapt to a new framework, rules, and new friends. From a preliminary tour of the school and restrooms, to practicing the safe route and changing sleep schedules - here is how to prepare them for first grade.

A study by the Manor Center has revealed a significant budgetary gap between state schools and the state-religious (Hamad) education system, with Hamad high school students receiving an average of 10,000 shekels more annually.

While the Ministry of Education promotes AI-based learning, more than 60% of 9th-grade students struggle with basic Hebrew. Between "cognitive laziness" and the notebook and pen: educators and students explain how to prevent technology from replacing human thought.

When entering the gates of the Shaanan Academic College of Education in Haifa, it is hard to believe the institution is marking its 75th anniversary. Prof. Avi Levy, the college president, is convinced that precisely now, when machines are more sophisticated than ever, the education system must return to the most basic element: the human being.

CBS data indicates an increase in the number of math and science teachers since 2011, but also reveals gaps in professional qualifications and significant attrition rates among new teachers. In some cases, teachers continue to teach these core subjects for three years or more despite lacking the proper qualifications.

CBS data reveals that only about half of science and mathematics teachers in elementary schools are qualified to teach their subjects. Many continue to teach without proper credentials for years. With international performance at a low, nearly a quarter of new science teachers leave the profession within five years.

The University of Roehampton in the UK provides scholarships to students who excel in competitive video games, and has already distributed more than 100 of them. While the average graduate debt in England exceeds the 47,500 pound mark, experts warn that millions of pounds in scholarships remain unclaimed each year, partly due to students' lack of awareness of their eligibility.

The global ranking is based on a new study by the Shoresh Institution for Socioeconomic Research, which compared teachers in Israel to their counterparts in OECD countries. The study's authors claim that the knowledge level of Israeli teachers in core subjects is among the lowest in the developed world. Among the countries tested, only Italy, Latvia, and Poland are ranked below Israel.

A Treasury plan proposes a root-and-branch reform of the education system, transferring teacher employment and school management to local authorities. Former Ministers and Directors-General of the Ministry of Education are divided on whether this is a necessary shake-up or a recipe for inequality.

Professor Avi Dagani, one of the founders of the market research and polling field in Israel, who founded the Geocartography Group with his wife, Dr. Rina Dagani, has passed away at the age of 88. For over 5 decades, he was active in academia and the business world and was a leader in the field of geographic information systems in Israel.

While state schools are desperate for manpower and opening their gates to diversity, religious schools are closing their doors to secular teachers. The system is calling for orientation and training, but educators are demanding to overcome the crisis: "It is time to dismantle the tribal walls."

The school year in Kedumim opened today at the "Yesodat Oz" Talmud Torah, where about 130 students are being educated. Under the guidance of Council Head Ozael Vatik, over 3 million shekels were invested in development and construction across all educational institutions in the council.

24 medals, including nine gold: Israeli students achieved impressive results this year at international science olympiads. So what makes a student an Olympic champion? Dr. Carmel Bar, director of Israel's national teams on behalf of the Future Scientists Center, shares tips that can make the difference.

The teacher shortage is severe and is harming students. Principals unable to find qualified staff are placing teaching students, teacher's aides, and even discharged soldiers in classrooms. Sometimes, one teacher is forced to serve as a homeroom teacher for two classes. Messages in closed forums reveal the depth of a crisis that the Ministry of Education is attempting to hide.

Ahead of the start of the school year next week, MADA published detailed safety guidelines for parents, children, and drivers, emphasizing that children up to the age of nine need adult supervision on the way to and from school.

They were called a spoiled generation of screens and TikTok, but since October 7, the true character of Israeli youth has been revealed—a generation seeking to enlist and take responsibility. In the second episode of the "Preparation for Victory" series, Oded Harush follows the story of Ilai Habib, who found a second chance at the "Ehad Mi-Shelanu" ("One of Us") preparatory program.

A survey examining the effects of the "Lion's Roar" war presents a worrying picture: over 80% of parents report psychological damage to their children, and 74% report social damage. Only 22.4% are satisfied with the Ministry of Education's performance, while the ultra-Orthodox sector reports significantly lower levels of damage.

A total ban on mobile phones during breaks, cancellation of zero-period classes, limitation of school bag weight, adaptation rules, and payments: The Ministry of Education publishes official procedures for the 5787 school year.

The mental distress of Israeli students has worsened following the pandemic and the war, but the system warns that the responses are far from sufficient: one psychologist per thousand students, one counselor per hundred kindergartens, and waiting lists for treatment that last up to a year.

Starting from the upcoming school year, the Ministry of Education will ban the use of smartphones and smartwatches in middle schools to restore focus in classrooms. Students refuse to surrender and are purchasing dummy devices, camouflage covers, and watches to be hidden under pants. Chairman of the Parents' Leadership: "We fear a situation of increased violence in schools."

The Samaria Regional Council has announced the opening of a religious technological high school for girls in Havat Yair, serving students in grades 9 through 12. Managed by the AMIT network, the school will initially operate in Ba'alei Zahav before moving to its permanent location in Havat Yair.

A school principal in Yavne'el was summoned for a hearing following documentation allegedly showing her minor daughter's wedding, yet she continues in her position. MK Merav Michaeli appealed to the Minister of Education demanding his intervention: "It is your responsibility." The principal denies the claims, arguing it was only a henna ceremony.

Data from the education system ahead of the 2026/27 school year reveals that every seventh student is eligible for special services. Many parents are debating which tests are required before moving to school. Experts map out the existing diagnoses and explain who to contact.

Walla has learned that the "institutional nurse" model will launch this coming September, with nurses being stationed in ten elementary schools. As part of their role, they will provide medical response to students with special needs, perform first aid, and lead health promotion programs throughout the school.

The "Aleinu" organization is promoting a plan to transfer school management to local authorities and educational networks, moving teachers to personal contracts. The proposal, included in Naftali Bennett's platform, could trigger a three-month strike. Former Education Minister Yuli Tamir warns against implementing changes against the will of educators.

Three teachers who left the education system and returned to teaching years later, even to the same school where they worked in the past, explain what caused them to leave, what brought them back, and how much they are looking forward to the start of the upcoming school year.

The "In Good Hands" partnership has introduced a program aimed at revolutionizing early childhood education. The initiative proposes reducing the educator-to-toddler ratio to one for every three children and significantly easing the financial burden on parents, who currently cover about 70% of daycare costs.

Where to volunteer this week: Ahead of the upcoming school year, the "Chinuch LePsagot" association is looking for mentors for children and teenagers from the periphery in the excellence centers it operates. The "Neve Michael" boarding school in Pardes Hanna needs volunteers for academic assistance for at-risk children. The "Elifelet" association in Tel Aviv would be happy to have volunteers for...

Dr. Keren Assayag, niece of Shalom and Meni Assayag, was a guest on the i24NEWS channel and tearfully revealed the shocking treatment she received at an academic institution due to her political positions: "It's a wound that doesn't really heal."

A significant achievement for the municipal education system: Minister of Education Yoav Kisch informed Mayor Ronen Mareli of the city's win of the prestigious award. The judging committee commended the social-emotional support provided to students and teaching staff during the emergency and wartime period.