Transforming Elementary Education for the Future
The "Modern Elementary" initiative, developed by the Elementary Education Division and the R&D Division of the Ministry of Education, aims to update elementary education to meet current and future challenges.
As Rabbi Kook said, "In every generation, one must learn how to use the tools that influence the generation."
Why? Elementary school is crucial for students' academic, emotional, and social development. The initiative aims to create an educational approach tailored to today's and tomorrow's challenges.
Goals:
- Strengthening lifelong learning and adaptation to change.
- Enhancing resilience, social-emotional awareness, and conduct.
- Recognizing diversity and training for life in a multicultural society.
What? The concept is based on four dimensions:
- Changing Reality
- Age Characteristics
- Generation Characteristics
- Environment and Community
How? The initiative includes research, development of practices, and collaboration with districts and organizations. It promotes innovative pedagogies and organizational initiatives.
We kicked off the 'Modern Elementary' initiative with a conference at the new Microsoft Herzliya Campus, attended by the research and development teams and principals of the 15 schools in the program. At the conference, the concept and goals of 'Modern Elementary' were introduced. Participants learned about AI's role in education, engaged in the 'Dreaming the Future, Building the Present' workshop with LEGO Learn2Learn kits, and toured Microsoft's new campus, an inspiration for the school of the future. This marks the beginning of our journey in transforming elementary education for the future.
Author: Karina Batat