Israel, Excellence in Education

School Year Opening Ceremony in Ofra


In various articles I've read about the opening of the new school year here in Israel, NRP aka Jewish Home's Education Minister Naftali Bennett's aim is "excellence" in education. That's nice, but I don't think he's going about it in the right way. If I've understood correctly, in recent years, the Ministry of Education has forbidden doing the the Mathematics and English Bagrut (Matriculation exam) in the Tenth Grade. They want the students to continue studying the subjects more years, which makes sense, but what they do by that ruling is actually "dumbing down" to "very good" rather than raising the level to "excellent."

High school students should be studying those basic subjects until the end of their senior year, 12th grade, but those who are capable of passing the highest "5 point" test in 10th or 11th grade should be given the chance, and if they pass, they they must take higher level courses. That's what my eldest did when she was in high school. A group of parents pushed the school to allow their English-speaking daughters to take the test in the 10th grade, and then in the 11th grade they took an extra, 6th point, English Literature course. That excellent high level course opened up a whole world of knowledge and interest, which led to her majoring in the subject in university.

My second daughter also did a number of her Bagrut tests early, including English in the 10th grade, and found herself in the position the Ministry of Education wants to prevent. She had almost nothing left to study as a senior. At least her high school allowed her extra Jewish Studies in a neighboring seminary for women. This was before today's easily accessible internet and "elearning."

If the Ministry of Education really wants "excellence," then they should encourage the gifted students to finish the basic 5 point exams earlier and provide higher level classes for them until they finish their "twelve years of studying." These classes, when there aren't enough students or suitable teacher in a school, can be via the internet.

The other day, I saw a news clip about how the children of Chabad families all over the world study in "classes" via the internet. In some cases, the children have to be up in the middle of the night, because of the time differences. So, here in Israel, this wouldn't be a problem. Even gifted and motivated students in the smallest schools can study on a suitably high level.

A "Teudat Bagrut," high school diploma, of such a student with high level tests and grades allows the student automatic admission to university in majors related to the subjects passed on a high enough level. That means, no Psychometric Exams and courses required for those subjects.  That's a big time and money saving for those high level successful students. My third got into university like that, and ended up finishing her Master's Degree simultaneously with her Bachelor's.

Things are always changing in Israeli Education. One "reform" is replaced by a newer "reform" ad infinitum... If they want excellence, my suggestions should be implemented.

Returning...?

A few days ago, a friend called asking me to "oral test" her high school students for their English Bagrut (nation-wide final exam.)  It's a one-time deal of course, and anyone can do it.  You don't have to be an English Teacher.  I, davka, had done it at that same school before entering the profession.  The school has changed a lot since then.  So have I.

I've been wracking my brain trying to decide on the right clothes to wear.  For me, teaching is theater, and that especially includes a major, crucial testing day like today.  I can't distract or repulse.  I must choose a skirt comfortable to sit in, on any chair at any type of table, modest regardless of how my legs are crossed or not.

Of course, my blouse or shirt must keep me well-covered regardless of the angle viewed.  I must look friendly, not frightening nor distracting.  I can brighten the outfit up with the right hair-covering, hat or scarf.  And of course an interesting choice of earrings (I wear three) always helps the students to keep their attention focused.

I have a cousin who is a professional costume designer and works all over north America.  I've never discussed this with him.  Maybe I should.

Multi-tasking

Yesterday I returned to work after summer vacation and two days of sick leave. Actually it was a good day to return, since I had only the 11th and 12th grades, very few students. Those who showed up were polite, well-behaved and even a bit enthusiastic. I explained what they needed to pass the bagrut, national final exams, in English.

Traveling was miraculous, Baruch Hashem, thank G-d. I kept my cool when I realized that I had missed the bus, which came "on time," instead of late; I was less than a minute's run when I saw it leaving the bus stop. Good thing I didn't panic. I caught a ride a few minutes later. It dropped me off at the "t junction" to Beit El, where I had to wait for a ride or bus to Beit El. A large vehicle with a "foreign press" sign was sitting there. As I walked by, I noticed them taking my picture. What will the caption be?

"Middle-aged woman with bag on wheels hitchhikes to Beit El."

A few minutes later, a van stopped and offered me a ride to Beit El. The driver was nice and took me all the way to the yeshiva where I teach. That saved me walking in the hot sun.

After my last lesson, I changed "uniforms" and got dressed and made up to go to a wedding.

Yes, it was a beautiful wedding.


The music and dancing were great!


I had my camera strapped to my waist and danced with it on. Periodically, I'd stop and take pictures.


That's the way to celebrate.

MAZAL TOV!!

Reflecting on the tests

Today was the big day for English Tests in Israeli High Schools. In a long marathon triple-session, seven English Bagrut, national finals, were given. It was a major undertaking and reminds me why I'm happy to be just an ordinary teacher and not in charge of anything.

I didn't want to distract the students, so I took a couple of pictures of the reflections and from the "studio."

Before each session, I searched for my students and gave them very small bags of treats. Just enough sucrose to make sure they wouldn't "fall asleep" in the middle.


I was part of the "oral testing staff." Some students have special accommodations and are tested orally. I really enjoyed it, especially since the boys did well. Of course I can't test my own students. We did the oral testing in the "radio classroom."


Today and yesterday, I was very busy with my students. But now, the 11th and 12th grades wont be studying English. They'll be concentrating on their other tests.

Downside of summer

I guess it's all "nature."

There's less and less green on the ground. Everything dries up. To simplify my gardening, I do have some very hardy plants, which stay green all year. Some have become like monsters and grow too much. They live forever.

Over the year, ever since I bought my digital camera, I've been documenting my garden, and you can see the changes.


Another natural phenomena is that my difficult students become even more difficult. Under the best of circumstances it's hard for them to sit still, quietly, or concentrate. Now it's virtually impossible.


When things are really bad I just ignore them and crochet. The smart ones know that my silence means they've crossed all lines and they're in big trouble.

Today's the English Bagrut (national final exams) and I have to be at work in the special testing center to administer "oral" tests to students who aren't my own.

Good luck--to those who deserve it!