Winter and Summer Matriculation Exam Dates Postponed in Israel, with Eased Conditions for Examinees
Education Minister Yoav Kish has announced today that the winter dates for the matriculation exams in Israel will be postponed by two months, to March 2024. Additionally, the summer dates will be postponed by three weeks, to the end of May 2024. This decision comes after coordination with various stakeholders, including the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), universities, teachers, national parent leadership, and the student and youth council.
In addition to the date changes, Minister Kish also revealed that there will be eased conditions for all examinees taking the matriculation exams. Students will receive a time increase of 15% during the exams, allowing them more time to complete the tests. Furthermore, the exam material will be more focused, providing students with a better opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge.
For students from settlements located on the conflict line who were evacuated from their homes, adjustments will be made to the weighting of their final grade. The weight of the annual grade, also known as the “shield,” will be increased compared to the grade received in the exam itself. This change aims to reflect the unique circumstances these students have faced and ensure a fair evaluation of their academic achievements.
In the case of students from active combat zones such as Ofakim, Netivot, Sderot, Shaar HaNegev Council, Ashkelon Beach Council, Eshkol Council, and Sdot Negev Council, as well as those who have experienced the loss or kidnapping of a first-degree family member, and individuals who have harmed themselves, a tailored response will be provided at a later stage.
Furthermore, the implementation of the previous matriculation outline will be delayed for one year. As a result, this year’s 10th-grade students will continue with the corona period outline, which includes one external examination in humanities subjects and another internal examination. Additionally, the Mitzvah tests scheduled for December and February will be canceled.
Minister Kish’s announcement marks an effort to accommodate the challenges and disruptions caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and other exceptional circumstances. These changes aim to ensure a fair and equitable evaluation process for all students taking the matriculation exams in Israel.
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