Brief Historical Context: Key Periods in Curriculum Planning in Israel and Its Effect on Arts Education
摘要
This chapter explores the dynamic interplay between Israeli educational reforms and cultural change, emphasizing the evolving role of arts education. It elaborates on how each era reflects shifting national priorities and ideological transformations. The 1950s, known as the “Pre-Scientific Period,” emphasized agricultural and arts education to strengthen students' connection to the land while fostering a united national identity. This vision, grounded in Western humanism, sought to create a “melting pot” for immigrants from diverse backgrounds by emphasizing Jewish heritage and history in the land of Israel. However, it faced criticism for marginalizing the cultural identities of non-European Jewish communities. The “Scientific Period” (1960–1980) introduced standardized, modernist curricula that prioritized rationality and measurable outcomes. Arts education during this time aligned with Western abstraction and formalist approaches but was overshadowed by the growing emphasis on science and technology. The “Humanistic Period” (1980s–1990s) brought greater flexibility and diversity to education, leading to the establishment of new tracks for arts education in elite schools. However, these advancements perpetuated existing inequalities. Since 2000, the focus on “21st-century skills” has fostered interdisciplinarity, creativity, and accessibility across the mandatory public education system. Arts education has gained recognition for its role in promoting emotional resilience and social cohesion, supported by targeted programs designed to address gaps and enhance inclusivity.