This report summarizes the first phase of a research project examining the common knowledge base provided by Israel’s public education system to students across its different educational streams. The study combines an analysis of legislation and policy, curricula, and data on actual learning practices, alongside a review of vision documents and reform proposals.
The findings reveal divisions among educational streams that are already embedded in the legal framework and Ministry of Education guidelines, as well as substantial differences in the subjects and content taught in practice. However, the available data provide only a partial picture of the knowledge students actually acquire. The vision documents propose directions for strengthening the common educational foundation but do not sufficiently specify its content or methods of assessment.
Based on these findings, the report recommends defining a common core of knowledge and skills while allowing flexibility for cultural and identity-based adaptations; strengthening the alignment between curricula and assessment; and developing policy through a process that ensures representation of all educational streams and groups within Israeli society.
