Grantee

Shaked High School

GOALS
To restore the school to its original status both educationally and ideologically.

BACKGROUND
The growing tendency toward religious and political radicalization of the National Religious community is felt in particular in the State Religious school system. These schools are marked by a religious conservative approach and a growing tendency towards separation of the sexes on grounds of modesty. Many parents who have a more liberal worldview on matters of democracy, the status of women and universal values, are forced to send their children to institutions that do not suit their outlook and values. The Shaked High School, located in Kibbutz Sde Eliyahuin the Beit She'an Valley, was founded in 1952 and is a regional school for most of the religious kibbutzim in the area. Over the years the school manifested a relatively moderate ideology, but in recent years due to conservative teachers and social pressures the school's moderate approach has been eroded. Concomitantly, the academic standards of the school have declined, and faced with competition from other Orthodox educational institutions in the area, the school has suffered a reduction in enrollment. Today the school is at a crossroads, both ideologically and in regard to its status as the leading school in the region. As a result, the school committee hired a new principal, Moshe Tur-Paz - an experienced educator and the former Chair of Ne'emanei Torah Ve'Avodah (an NIF grantee) - to try and amend the situation.

STRATEGIES
Activities for pupils, teachers and parents, in order to reinforce a moderate religious worldview. Securing the cooperation of other agencies and organizations in the region and nationwide to promote the rejuvenation of the school.

HIGHLIGHTS

• In-service program for the core faculty and administration.
• Field trips to liberal Orthodox institutions
• Various projects targeted at pupils.