Grant amount
NIS 38,000
Analysis and Report on Mathematics and Physics Matriculation by Experienced Teachers
A number of experienced teachers will delve into many aspects of the exams, including the way in which they measure excellence
A number of experienced teachers will delve into many aspects of the exams, including the way in which they measure excellence
The ultimate measure in Israel to assess student achievement at the end of high school is via the results of the matriculation exams. The matriculation results are a key factor in the admission to higher education as universities use them to decide on who would be accepted to which faculty. Therefore, it is not surprising that the matriculation acts as a focus point for schools, and forms the basis of decisions regarding programs the foundation supports.Being so central, the matriculation system is also a target for criticism raised by policy makers, experts and practitioners. Particularly with regards to advanced mathematics and the sciences, some claim that the examinations do not adequately measure excellence as they focus only on knowledge and proficiency. Others argue that in recent years, and especially in mathematics, the bar was significantly raised to assess higher order thinking, knowledge transfer and application skills.
To better understand this issue and ahead of the 2014 meeting of the foundation’s Advisory Council, we have asked some experienced teachers to have a profound look into the mathematics and physics matriculation. In consultation with Professor Lee Shulman, we seek to comprehend what types of excellence the exams actually assess; how do they correlate with international standards of excellence; what have been the changes in recent years, and how are they aligned with the standards and the curriculum.
In order to address the above questions, we will delve into many aspects of the exams, including changes in length, subjects and grades, as well as into the modifications of questions asked; and seek to understand how the exams test for acquisition of knowledge, development of thinking capacity, as well as for the softer skills, such as communication, collaboration, ethics and curiosity. In addition, and since more changes are planned in the matriculation, the report will look into those planned changes and try to assess their future implications on promoting excellence.
Once a first draft of the report is prepared, the plan is to send it for review by a number of additional teachers, following which the foundation will host a workshop for 30 teachers, who will be asked to add input based on their experience and knowledge. Finally, the report will be prepared for widespread dissemination among the professional community, and for the anticipated discussion of the foundation’s Advisory Council.