leading Collective Impact
Top15 expanding
the circle of excellence
A cross-sector initiative to expand the circle of excellence
in STEM education, by enhancing the knowledge and skills
of junior high school students, giving them the tools
they need to succeed in the next stages of life
leading Collective Impact
Top15 expanding
the circle of excellence
A cross-sector initiative to expand the circle of excellence
in STEM education, by enhancing the knowledge and skills
of junior high school students, giving them the tools
they need to succeed in the next stages of life
The first mission
The 5×2 initiative was established in 2013, as a response to the alarming decrease in students opting for STEM subjects. It aimed to promote excellence in science and technology education as a means of fostering a culture of excellence in general.
The initiative united around 100 organizations from public, social, philanthropic, and business sectors to position Israel among the 15 leading countries globally in terms of the quality of STEM education.
The first goal the initiative set was to double the number of students who passed the challenging 5-unit math matriculation exam, and remarkably, this target was met within just five years. In addition, there was a notable rise in the number of students taking up 5 study units in physics and chemistry.
By achieving its objectives, the initiative brought the importance of excellence in science and technology education to the forefront of public discourse in Israel.
The numbers
Concerning statistics regarding Israeli students arise from data in the inter-ministerial committee report for increasing human capital in the hi-tech industry, published in November 2022, and from PISA research:
9%
level 5 matriculation in English, math, physics, and computer science.
9%
according to PISA 2018. 11% are Hebrew speakers and only 1% are Arabic speakers.
31
out of 35 OECD countries, according to PISA research conducted in 2018.
1
of excellent students and those who struggle in physics, according to PISA research.
The new mission – TOP15
After achieving the first goal, the initiative decided to focus on a new mission of increasing the excellence rates of middle school students in STEM subjects.
In 2021, the initiative’s steering committee formulated a new mission, aimed to equip Israeli students with essential skills for excellence in the field of science and technology, and promote optimal integration into the military, academia, and employment.
The mission focused on middle school students, peripheral regions, and the Arab society. In 2022, an additional focus was taken on – expanding future scientific-technological classes (AMAT) with a specific emphasis on peripheral areas and the Arab society.
Over the course of two years, the initiative operated through a diverse network of cross-sector partners and various action mechanisms, including a working group on skills and motivation, a working group on Arab society, a business coalition, and more.
These years were particularly challenging due to the political instability, the chaos caused by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, and uncertainty that intensified following the October 7th war. All of these factors led to the decision to conclude the initiative’s activities by the end of 2023.
Key Actions
The initiative focused on five key actions:
Expansion of AMAT classes
A national effort to significantly increase the number of classes in the periphery and the Arab society.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Education and with the support of the business sector.
“Negev Operation”
Doubling the number of AMAT classes, improving the teacher’s image and encouraging teaching skills.
In partnership with the Metropolis of Be’er Sheva, the Negev clusters, and the southern district of the Ministry of Education.
STEM Skills
Promotion of systemic understanding of STEM skills and their integration into study programs, evaluation and measurement systems.
Promoting excellence in Arab society
Promotion of system change to expand the circle of excellence in the Arab society, with an emphasis on supporting teachers and enhancing the quality of instruction.
Our operation model – Collective Impact
The initiative utilized a collective impact approach, which is a strategy for addressing complex social issues that demands a coordinated effort from multiple sectors.
Sheatufim, as the backbone organization, dives deep into the problem and brings together all relevant players to create a network of partners. Together, they collaborate to develop a strategy for crafting necessary solutions and ensuring their successful execution. The process is built upon a commitment to achieving specific goals and involves measuring impact to ensure a sustainable, long-term response that drives significant system change.
The partners network
Our broad cross-sector network included around 150 partners from all sectors: public, business, social, academic, and philanthropy.
Want to know more?
The first mission – 5x2
The 5×2 initiative was established in 2013, as a response to the alarming decrease in students opting for STEM subjects. It aimed to promote excellence in science and technology education as a means of fostering a culture of excellence in general.
The initiative united around 100 organizations from public, social, philanthropic, and business sectors to position Israel among the 15 leading countries globally in terms of the quality of STEM education.
The first goal the initiative set was to double the number of students who passed the challenging 5-unit math matriculation exam, and remarkably, this target was met within just five years. In addition, there was a notable rise in the number of students taking up 5 study units in physics and chemistry.
By achieving its objectives, the initiative brought the importance of excellence in science and technology education to the forefront of public discourse in Israel.
The numbers
Concerning statistics regarding Israeli students arise from data in the inter-ministerial committee report for increasing human capital in the hi-tech industry, published in November 2022, and from PISA research:
9%
of graduates finish with a “tech” certificate
level 5 matriculation in English, math, physics, and computer science.
9%
of graduates excel in mathematical literacy
according to PISA 2018. 11% are Hebrew speakers and only 1% are Arabic speakers.
31
Israel’s rank in mathematical literacy
out of 35 OECD countries, according to PISA research conducted in 2018.
1
Israel’s rank in the gap between achievements
of excellent students and those who struggle in physics, according to PISA research.
The new mission – TOP15
After achieving the first goal, the initiative decided to focus on a new mission of increasing the excellence rates of middle school students in STEM subjects.
In 2021, the initiative’s steering committee formulated a new mission, aimed to equip Israeli students with essential skills for excellence in the field of science and technology, and promote optimal integration into the military, academia, and employment.
The mission focused on middle school students, peripheral regions, and the Arab society. In 2022, an additional focus was taken on – expanding future scientific-technological classes (AMAT) with a specific emphasis on peripheral areas and the Arab society.
Over the course of two years, the initiative operated through a diverse network of cross-sector partners and various action mechanisms, including a working group on skills and motivation, a working group on Arab society, a business coalition, and more.
These years were particularly challenging due to the political instability, the chaos caused by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, and uncertainty that intensified following the October 7th war. All of these factors led to the decision to conclude the initiative’s activities by the end of 2023.
Key Actions:
The initiative focused on five key actions:
Expansion of AMAT classes
A national effort to significantly increase the number of classes in the periphery and the Arab society.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Education and with the support of the business sector.
“Negev Operation”
“Negev Operation”
STEM Skills
Promotion of systemic understanding of STEM skills and their integration into study programs, evaluation and measurement systems.
Promoting excellence in Arab society
Addressing the teacher shortage
Our operation model – Collective Impact
The initiative utilized a collective impact approach, which is a strategy for addressing complex social issues that demands a coordinated effort from multiple sectors.
Sheatufim, as the backbone organization, dives deep into the problem and brings together all relevant players to create a network of partners. Together, they collaborate to develop a strategy for crafting necessary solutions and ensuring their successful execution. The process is built upon a commitment to achieving specific goals and involves measuring impact to ensure a sustainable, long-term response that drives significant system change.
The partners network
Our broad cross-sector network included around 150 partners from all sectors: public, business, social, academic, and philanthropy.
