The Conflict and Consequences of Two Assessment Measures in Israel: Global PISA vs. the National MEITZAV

Abstract

Externally standardized tests are common in most educational systems worldwide. The results of these tests are used to provide feedback for improvement, monitor teaching and learning to facilitate accountability, and to provide governments with information about the ranking of countries internationally. Research, however, has shown that the benefits of massive external testing policies are diminished in comparison with the damage caused by external tests, as is evident in the form of negative washback. In Israel, major external tests dominate the educational assessment scene. Two of these tests are discussed in this chapter: a local national test, the Indices of School Efficiency and Growth, (the MEITZAV), and the international Program for International Student Assessment (PISA). We examine the differential reactions toward these tests, showing that the national test is rejected to the point of considered abolishment, while administration of the international test continues uninterruptedly with limited controversy. Possible reasons for this gap are discussed, concluding with a call for a critical assessment literate perspective on the consequences of large-scale national and international test use.