NCJ Number
192633
Date Published
2001
Length
200 pages
Annotation
This analysis of the education of Israeli schoolchildren who are Israeli citizens of Palestinian Arab origin used data collected in Israel in November and December 2000.
Abstract
Data came from visits to 26 schools of all types and levels; interviews with students, teachers, administrators, and specialists; interviews with staff of the Education Ministry; and reviews of official statistical information. Results revealed that nearly 1 in 4 of Israel’s 1.6 million school children received education in a public school system wholly separate from the majority. Their schools differed significantly in quality from the public schools serving Israel’s majority Jewish population in that they offered fewer facilities and educational opportunities than were offered other Israeli children. Palestinian Arab children attended schools with larger classes and fewer teachers than did those in the Jewish school system, with some children having to travel long distances to reach the nearest school. Some Arab schools lacked basic learning facilities, including libraries, computers, science laboratories, and recreation space. Palestinian Arab children with disabilities are particularly marginalized. Palestinian Arab students dropped out of school at three times the rate of Jewish students and were less likely to pass national examinations for a high school diploma. Few attended a university. Israeli government authorities have acknowledged the gaps between Arab and Jewish education, but they have failed to equalize the two systems. The analysis concluded that addressing the cumulative effect of generations of educational disadvantage upon Israel’s Palestinian Arab citizens requires major new initiatives by the government of Israel in recognition of its obligations under national and international law. Tables, footnotes, and appended tables and background information