The 20 or so haredi schools joined the new Tziburi haredi state education system which funds haredi elementary schools that join it at 100% of costs in exchange for teaching 100% of the state’s secular core curriculum in three subjects: Math, English and Modern Hebrew. However, these schools still do not teach science, history or civics.
20 Haredi Schools Agree To Teach Math, English And Modern Hebrew Education Minister Says
Shmarya Rosenberg • FailedMessiah.com
Israel’s Minister of Education Rabbi Shai Piron reportedly said late last week that at least 20 haredi schools have started teaching part of Israel’s secular core curriculum since the new government, which made haredi teaching of Israel’s secular core curriculum a priority, was elected in May.
The 20 or so haredi schools joined the new Tziburi haredi state education system which funds haredi elementary schools that join it at 100% of costs in exchange for teaching 100% of the state’s secular core curriculum in three subjects: Math, English and Modern Hebrew, the Jerusalem Post reported based on a report in Israel HaYom. However, these schools still do not teach science, history or civics.
The amount of hours spent teaching these three secular subjects and the level of the education expected to be obtained is supposed to be exactly the same as in non-haredi state schools. However, textbooks and educational materials may be adapted to ensure to fit haredi modesty norms and rabbinic censorship.
The Ministry of Education will reportedly fully inspect these haredi schools to assure compliance with ministry standards.
These 20 or so haredi schools reportedly approached the ministry individually without haredi political or rabbinic leadership and joined the Tziburi network on their own, without haredi rabbinic approval.
In addition to those approximately 20 elementary schools, four haredi yeshiva high schools were opened by the state this year to prepare students for the state high school matriculation exam – something the vast majority of haredi high school yeshivas do not do.
Piron said that in the end, both main haredi elementary school networks would be forced by government financial penalties to teach the secular core curriculum, as well.
The vast majority of Ashkenazi haredi sub-high school boy schools teach very little or none of the state’s secular core curriculum. With very few exceptions, haredi boys high schools teach no secular core subjects at all.
The Sefardi haredi Shas Party’s Ma’ayan Hahinuch Hatorani school system claims to teach the secular core curriculum in Math, English and Hebrew – but the Ministry of Education reportedly does not believe the full syllabus is actually being taught.
Several other schools have reportedly applied to transfer into the Tziburi network. Their requests are reportedly being processed by the Ministry of Education.