Yecholot-Start Program

The program operates in high schools in socio-geographical periphery areas and aims to address the phenomenon of hidden and overt dropout from high schools, as well as the gap in matriculation rates between the periphery and the center, and the gap between sectors in Israel.

Each year, 9th-grade students at risk and on the verge of dropout (between 25 to 50 students, depending on needs and budget) with the lowest academic achievements in the grade (not diagnosed as students with special needs) are accepted into the program. These students typically have around 7 negative grades and an average grade lower than 50. These students often display signs of alienation, behavioral difficulties, learning challenges, and significant educational gaps, representing the highest potential for visible dropout.

The program grows and extends over three years (from the end of 9th grade until the end of 12th grade) as a developing structural change. Students learn in theoretical classes with a different pedagogical structure. The curriculum is very demanding and challenging, through which participants complete significant gaps in skills and knowledge, finishing 12th grade with a matriculation certificate that allows acceptance into higher education and/or university. Learning takes place during school hours, after school, in the evening, and during some school holidays, providing an opportunity to close knowledge gaps and graduate with a matriculation certificate.

The program is operated by coordinators and teachers from participating schools, led by the school principals.

The focus on students with the lowest academic achievements and leading them to success according to universal standards creates a significant shift in the students’ self-perception, their peers’ perception of them, their parents’ view, and the school’s view. This approach generates a systemic consciousness shift in the school, creating a solid foundation for further changes.

Pedagogy and Methodology: The Yecholot-Start classes operate based on the principles of the Yecholot accelerated learning method, with one operational approach being a growing structural change in high school, leading to upward mobility within the school structure as a continuous and accelerated theoretical track.

The method is based on the fundamental assumption that, except for a minimal percentage of exceptions, everyone can succeed in school, regardless of any type of affiliation, even after accumulating significant learning gaps.

Training, Guidance, and Pedagogical Support: The program’s pedagogical mentors guide and support the students.

The program operates in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, educational bodies, and the participating municipalities, utilizing school resources (standard hours and additional hours) and additional resources from the Yecholot Association (philanthropy from Israel and abroad).