Israeli eighth-grade students recorded one of the steepest declines in mathematics and science achievement among developed nations, dropping 32 points between 2019 and 2023, according to an international assessment released Wednesday.
The results from the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) place Israel's performance significantly below its previous standing, with particular concerns about widening achievement gaps between different demographic groups.
"This is a wake-up call for our education system," said Education Minister Yoav Kisch, who announced a $277 million post-war budget request to address the decline. "These results demand immediate and comprehensive action."
The study, which evaluated approximately 300,000 students across 44 countries, revealed that Israeli students' average mathematics scores fell from 519 to 487, while science scores declined from 513 to 481. The percentage of students performing below proficiency thresholds increased from 12.5% to 20%.
Demographic Disparities
The decline was particularly pronounced among Arabic-speaking students, who saw mathematics scores drop by 56 points compared to a 26-point decline among Hebrew speakers. This growing achievement gap highlights deeper systemic challenges within Israel's education system.
"What we're seeing is not just a COVID effect," says Dr. Sarah Cohen, education policy analyst at Tel Aviv University. "These results point to structural inequalities that the pandemic has exacerbated."
Global Context
While many countries experienced educational setbacks during the pandemic, Israel's decline was nearly triple the global average of 11-12 points. Countries that maintained more consistent in-person instruction showed greater resilience: Sweden, with just 49 days of school closure, improved its math scores by 15 points.
Reform Plans
The Ministry of Education has outlined a comprehensive response, including:
- Curriculum alignment with international standards
- Increased instructional hours: 15 weekly hours for math, 14 for science
- Integration of AI-driven personalized learning systems
- Recruitment of high-tech professionals into teaching
- Establishment of a National STEM Council
The timing of these reforms coincides with broader national challenges, as Israel continues its military operations while attempting to address educational deficiencies that could affect its future technological edge.
Market implications may be significant, as Israel's technology sector has historically relied on a strong pipeline of mathematically skilled graduates. The country's tech industry, which accounts for about 15% of GDP, has already expressed concerns about future talent pools.
"In the startup nation, these scores aren't just about education—they're about our economic future," says Tech Industry Association chairman David Levy.
Broader Economic Implications
The decline in academic performance could threaten Israel's position as a global tech hub, analysts warn. The country's high-tech sector, which attracted $27 billion in investments last year, depends heavily on a steady stream of mathematically proficient graduates.
"We're looking at a potential talent crisis in 5-10 years if this trend continues," says Maya Greenblatt, chief economist at Israel's Innovation Authority. "These test scores are early indicators of future workforce capabilities."
COVID's Outsized Impact
Israel's extended school closures—130 days compared to the OECD average of 71 days—appear to have had lasting effects. While other nations have shown signs of recovery, Israeli students' performance continues to lag.
Dr. Michael Berg, education researcher at Hebrew University, points to specific challenges: "Remote learning proved particularly ineffective for mathematics and laboratory sciences. The lack of hands-on experience and direct teacher interaction created learning gaps that haven't been bridged."
Regional Differences
The study revealed stark regional disparities:
- Central region schools showed the smallest declines
- Peripheral areas experienced drops of up to 45 points
- Schools in the south, affected by security situations, showed mixed results
- Northern districts maintained better performance relative to national averages
Private Sector Response
Tech companies are already responding to the crisis. Intel Israel announced a $5 million investment in STEM education programs, while Start-Up Nation Central is launching a mentor network connecting tech professionals with schools.
"We can't wait for government solutions alone," says Rachel Stern, education director at Google Israel. "The private sector needs to be part of the solution."
Looking Ahead
The Ministry of Education's reform plan faces immediate challenges:
- Teacher recruitment amid nationwide shortages
- Budget constraints during wartime
- Implementation hurdles in diverse school systems
- Integration of new technologies while maintaining educational basics
"Success will require unprecedented cooperation between government, industry, and educators," Minister Kisch said. "This isn't just about test scores—it's about Israel's future competitiveness."
Bottom Line
For investors and policy makers, the TIMSS results signal potential long-term challenges for Israel's knowledge economy. The country's ability to maintain its competitive edge in global tech markets may depend on successfully reversing these educational trends.
As one venture capitalist put it: "These aren't just numbers on a page. They're the foundation of our future unicorns."
Ynet contributed to this article.
