|
Shalom to everyone,
This morning I received the final report of the National Task Force on the Advancement of Education in Israel.
First and foremost, I wish to thank Mr. Shlomo Dovrat who took upon himself this difficult and demanding task. I believe, Shlomo, that you personally did not imagine how difficult this challenge which you had taken upon yourself would be.
I also wish to thank the talented task force which worked with Shlomo voluntarily, united in the belief that we must initiate a thorough and bold measure to improve the education system. On behalf of the Government and on my own behalf, I wish to extend a special thanks to the Minister of Education and the Director-General of the Ministry of Education.
The issue of education is of supreme importance. Nothing is more important. It is no less vital than the ongoing concern for security and growth. It may even be a guarantee of both.
The plan presented to me is a very comprehensive one. The quality of work, the seriousness with which the mission was undertaken, the dedication and overall vision are expressed in all issues tackled by the National Task Force. The plan will be submitted to the Government for approval this Tuesday, and it is my intention to ensure that it is carried out in the agreed-upon timetables.
I hear the voices emanating from various skeptical circles. I know those voices from other missions which I lead. They predict that this report, as with other reports, will be shelved and collecting dust. To all those I say unequivocally: this report will be implemented.
The primary recommendations of the report have already been budgeted and comprehensive agreements were formulated during the various stages of the Committee’s work. Already in the current budget year, it is our intention to invest over 1.5 billion NIS in the reform, beyond the regular budget of the Ministry of Education.
As with any other reform, the education revolution confronting us raises concerns among various sectors. We would like this reform to pass with the widest possible consensus. Therefore, I call upon the Minister of Education, the teachers organizations and the local authorities to sit together for as long as it takes and to make every effort to ensure that this revolution which we are leading will be implemented through consent – for the benefit of the younger generation of the State of Israel.
I have heard some statements in this regard which were not so educational. I am confident that those statements do not reflect the teachers in Israel. We attribute supreme importance to the status of teachers in Israel. The status of the teacher determines the profile and quality of the graduates of the education system. This status is affected by the reward which the teacher gains as a result of his/her work and the sense of mission which is required in this profession. We intend to thoroughly address the status of the teacher. There is no more room for “cosmetic” treatment. The education system needs changes and it must provide the teachers with the proper conditions for it.
I do not believe that the education system has failed. I see the graduates of this system at the forefront of the battle against terrorism. I see them in the industry, economy and technology professions. This reform guarantees even better achievements, and primarily equal opportunities for students, from all sectors, to attain these achievements. It is our duty as a Government. It is our responsibility as those entrusted with our future in this land – and we intend to carry it through.
Thank you.
|