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Mathematical Learning and Its Difficulties in Israel

  • Sarit AshkenaziEmail author
  • Hannah Restle
  • Nitza Mark-Zigdon
Chapter
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Abstract

The present chapter aims to introduce the Israeli case of mathematical learning disability (MLD) and general mathematical education. The chapter begins with presenting the greatest challenges of the educational system in Israel: dealing with the diversity of the population, both culturally and socioeconomically, which has deeply influenced the educational system. Afterward, we discuss the essential role of the core subject mathematics in the Israeli educational system. Then we address Israeli students’ performance in relation to international students by summarizing worldwide comparative data.

The second part of the chapter discusses MLD diagnosis and remediation in Israel. Currently, there is no standardized normed diagnostic tool for assessing MLD in Israeli children. Hence, the urgent need for such a tool is highlighted. We discuss the current diagnostic process of MLD and the ongoing changes in the diagnostic process of learning disabilities in Israel. We also introduce teaching accommodations and in-class interventions employed to help children with MLD in Israel. Lastly, we discuss the recent advancements in MLD diagnosis in post-secondary educational institutes in Israel.

Keywords

Developmental dyscalculia Cultural difference Learning disabilities Special education Dyscalculia assessment 
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Notes

Acknowledgment

The authors would like to thank Sarit Silverman for her help in conceptualization of this chapter and Dr. Dorit Neria, the director of the discipline of mathematics for preschool and primary school education in the Ministry of Education, for her valuable feedback.

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Copyright information

© Springer International Publishing AG, part of Springer Nature 2019

Authors and Affiliations

  • Sarit Ashkenazi
    • 1
    Email author
  • Hannah Restle
    • 1
  • Nitza Mark-Zigdon
    • 2
  1. 1.Seymour Fox School of EducationHebrew University of JerusalemMount Scopus, JerusalemIsrael
  2. 2.School of EducationTel-Aviv UniversityTel-AvivIsrael

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