On management processes in education Towards international exams – the case of the Meitzav

The purpose of the current study is to examine the differences in the functioning of school staff and management in the southern district (a peripheral area) and in the central district. This, in light of the Meitzav test (Hebrew acronym for School Efficacy and Growth Measures) administered in junior high schools from 2016-2019. The preparations undertaken by the school management and educational staff for the Meitzav and the resources allocated by the school principal for studying for these tests were examined. The research findings indicate that the significance of the Meitzav tests as perceived by the principal is critical for success on the tests in the core subjects of math, Hebrew, English, and science. The more principals see the Meitzav as an effective measurement tool for them and for the school’s progress, the more they will act to provide reinforcement learning, focus days in the core subject, individual learning, so that the preparation for this test will be optimal. The contribution of the current study is in understanding the pedagogic and organizational school processes that occur at the schools, which are required for the purpose of reaching measurable achievements. Understanding these processes and identifying them is extremely significant for the school principal and for the educational system in general regarding expectations of the school, its goals, and how they are achieved. The research findings might have a practical contribution to school principals and policy makers in the school educational system, while characterizing and examining positive change components in school management.