Israel’s finance Minister Avigdor Lieberman and Education Minister Yifat Shasha Bitton announced the launch of a program to encourage core-secular studies in ultra-Orthodox educational institutions, which are not fully budgeted by the state. Institutions that currently teach 55% and 75% of basic non-religious subjects will be budgeted accordingly. Those schools Will be rewarded with an increasing budget as they increase the scope.
The plan, which was decided before the announcement of the early elections, will be implemented as early as the next school year and will be enforced. Today, an educational institution in the ultra-Orthodox sector, defined as "unofficially recognized", is committed to core studies at a rate of 75%, while Talmud Torah is required at a rate of 55%.
Cutting support for Orthodox education networks is just and vital - opinion: The demands to enforce core studies do not arise from hatred of the ultra-Orthodox but stem from concern for the future and economic well-being of Israel. https://t.co/ipdATOylN3 JPost pic.twitter.com/lEyF5WifpW
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As part of the program, a total amount of tens of millions of shekels will be allocated for the institutions that choose to join it and will participate in external tests. According to the agreement between the Ministries of Finance and Education, any educational institution that chooses to join the program will be entitled in the first year to a grant of approximately 6,000 Shekels per student.
A lead ultra-Orthodox rabbi called Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid and Finance Minister Avigdor Lieberman "worse than Nazis." https://t.co/okNHBogIEk
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In addition, the educational institution will receive an annual grant on a permanent basis, depending on the proportion of students participating in the tests. The higher their rate, the greater the annual grant to the educational institution. Lieberman said that "this is a first and important step for integration in the core subjects in ultra-Orthodox educational institutions.
The program will allow students to maintain their way of life while acquiring the skills required to enter the job market." He added, "The grants will be given according to objective external tests, and there will be no more channels for transferring budgets without supervision." Shasha Bitton reinforced his remarks, noting that "the basic subjects are part of the toolbox we want to impart for the students of the education system in preparation for their adult lives.
The program was built through dialogue and an understanding of ultra-Orthodox society. In order to help institutions in the process, the educational staff will undergo professional training, the employment of professional teachers will begin and the curriculum and textbooks will be adjusted. Also, an additional 4.5 million NIS will be allocated each year. The ministries agreed that if additional needs arose, the budget framework would be flexible.
