On this coming Thursday, 28 Menachem Av (September 1st), Israel’s public schools open, marking the beginning of the 5777 school year. According to the Ministry of Education, there will be 2.185 million students returning to the classrooms, including first graders entering the system.

There are 4,733 public schools nationwide in which 177,945 teachers and kindergarten teachers are employed. According to Education Minister Naftali Bennett, the system stands ready and he does not expect any major problems on opening day.

Earlier in the week Bennett announced his ministry is placing an emphasis on mathematics and English, as well as building up the level of schools in peripheral areas. He cited that according to statistics, the number of students earning a 5-point matriculation diploma, the highest level attainable, is far lower in outlying and development areas.

Examples cites by Bennett back up his statements stating that in Chatzor HaGlilit only 3% of students earned a 5-point diploma as opposed to 25% in Ramat HaSharon. In Ofakim the number is 2%, the Bedouin community of Rahat 0%, and Kiryat Ono 26%.

Bennett stated the ministry this coming year is focusing on enabling more students to achieve higher levels in all subjects, but particularly in mathematics and English.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)