bnrinat

 The Institute for Educational Initiatives

Over the past several years many non-profits and businesses with social and value-laden agendas have become active in schools and educational institutions in Israel.  These partnerships are manifested in various ways: Through development and distribution of curricular materials, volunteering in schools, funding existing programs and donating equipment and other resources. 

Such partnerships hold many advantages for schools and the education system.  External organizations contribute unique knowledge and resources that promote innovation in teaching and they introduce subjects that are beyond the expertise of a school's teaching staff.  Nevertheless, unregulated interventions by businesses and non-profits in the education system can lead to the introduction of contents that are inappropriate in democratic society or do not comport with the values of a specific community.  Unchecked interventions can also lead to widening gaps between schools in well-off and poorer areas.

 The Institute for Educational Initiatives was established to facilitate and guide interested parties toward achieving optimal partnerships for the benefit of students and the community.

 The Institute for Educational Initiatives is an interdisciplinary center with expertise in leveraging partnerships between schools, non-profits and businesses.  The Institute exists under the auspices of Beit Berl Academic College, a respected leader in education and research in this field.

 Areas of Activity

• Data collection, research and information-sharing
• Accompanying and advising local authorities and education officials
• Training principals and social-educational entrepreneurs
• Accompanying and developing educational and social initiatives