Study Snapshot: Insights from Our Expert Arielle Kaim

Events like the COVID-19 pandemic and the Iron Sword War have underscored the need for robust functional resilience within education systems. Such resilience is essential not just for recovery but for potential enhancement following a crisis. Researchers at Tel Aviv University have responded by developing and validating a Functional Resilience Index, a measure designed to assess and strengthen the resilience of schools following adversity. This innovative tool, assessed via surveys involving students, educators, and parents, pinpoints critical elements essential for ensuring the continuity and adjustment of the school system post-adversity.

The Index has uncovered varying levels of resilience among different groups, identifying students and parents as particularly susceptible, while teachers and principals appear more resilient. It emphasizes the importance of digital literacy, pedagogical support, stress management, and effective communication as key to resilience. Implementing this Index routinely will enable schools to better prepare for and respond to crises, allowing for customized strategies to bolster the education system's defenses against future shocks. As Israel navigates through one of its most difficult crises, leveraging the insights from this Index is crucial for identifying vulnerabilities and equipping the education sector to emerge stronger and more resilient for future crises