Does Israel’s education system truly offer a shared foundation of knowledge and values?
In this episode, Prof. Einat Heyd-Metzuyanim and Dr. Anat Shauly from the Samuel Neaman Institute present the findings of a report examining the Shared Core of Israel’s public education system. The study explores both shared elements and gaps across four educational streams – state, state-religious, Arab, and ultra-Orthodox – and points to a clear discrepancy between the state’s declared commitment to partnership and social cohesion (de jure) and the reality in the field (de facto).
To illustrate this gap, the researchers use the “infants’ parable”: while the state assumes responsibility for all citizens at birth, symbolized by a uniform “diaper” provided in the hospital nursery, the common foundation gradually erodes at later stages of life, particularly within the education system.
The study highlights the severe lack of data on students’ actual knowledge in certain sectors, especially the ultra-Orthodox system, and discusses the differing learning opportunities available across education streams. As an example, it examines civics education, the only subject with a common curriculum for all education streams (alongside mathematics and English) noting the wide flexibility in its implementation.
Looking ahead, the researchers propose adopting international models that combine a central core curriculum with standardized assessment mechanisms, as a means to promote equal educational opportunities and strengthen social cohesion.