Knesset members raised concerns about the pedagogical effectiveness of distance learning and the fact that many students lack reliable access to computers at home.
In the event of renewed war with Iran, Israel’s schools will cancel classes during the initial days of the conflict rather than immediately transition to remote learning, according to a Wednesday statement from Arieh Mor, Deputy Director General for Security and Emergency at the Education Ministry.
This announcement, made during a Knesset discussion on tensions with Iran, came after the ministry conducted a situational assessment earlier in the week and an emergency preparedness drill in daycares throughout the country.
Mor explained that during an emergency, the system operates first and foremost according to the Home Front Command’s instructions, and he anticipated that both parents and children would be emotionally unprepared for learning.
Knesset members raised concerns about the pedagogical effectiveness of distance learning and the fact that many students lack reliable access to computers at home.
Regarding the latter issue, Mor explained that COVID-19-era reforms now allow local municipalities and schools to purchase distance-learning equipment for students who cannot afford it.
An empty classroom (credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM/THE JERUSALEM POST)
Effectiveness of remote learning
The concern about the effectiveness of remote learning stemmed from a State Comptroller report indicating that only half of students can effectively learn remotely during a national emergency, such as a war.
The Ministry of Education’s representative, Keren Dedia, emphasized that lessons had been learned from the report. Broader online learning environments have been created, and each teacher now has a designated digital space. She added that as students become more familiar with the system during regular times, the transition during an emergency will be smoother.
At the same time, Hadas Damati, also representing the Education Ministry, updated that efforts are underway to ensure continuity for special education students and 114,000at-risk youth, safeguarding their educational and therapeutic needs.
Yael Hajbi, a representative from the National Parent Leadership, criticized the lack of consistency on the ground, particularly regarding emotional support for young children.
She pointed out that the guidelines given to educational staff were only recommendations, which resulted in significant gaps: While one preschool teacher reached out to each child personally, no contact was made at all in another preschool.
This sparked the urgent discussion in the Education Committee, which was convened to ensure the system is prepared for extreme scenarios as part of the national strategy to address a potential rapid escalation with Iran.