Pritzat Derech Initiative Update
The Pritzat Derech (Hebrew for All) initiative, launched in summer 2023, is dedicated to ensuring that students with dyslexia and language learning challenges have access to Hebrew language, Judaism, and Jewish identity. This initiative is designed to “break through” existing barriers by bringing together stakeholders to surface existing field knowledge, identify effective practices, develop necessary tools, and embed expertise that can be deployed throughout the community. As the initiative progresses, significant developments are unfolding across its various phases.
Short-Term Research Projects
Under the leadership of the research team, three distinct short-term research projects have been initiated. These projects include a comprehensive literature review of research related to relevant fields, a survey and case study of different approaches and models, and empirical research focused on student growth data. These projects are nearing completion, with final results expected in the coming weeks and months. The findings are anticipated to offer unique insights and practical applications, contributing to the broader educational landscape and the development of the Pritzat Derech Field Guide. This guide aims to provide practitioners with research-informed, practical strategies to support Hebrew learners with diverse needs. The dedication of the Working Group members, the research team’s meticulous work, and the leadership’s guidance are all acknowledged and appreciated.
Community Readiness and Training
The Community Readiness and Training teams have been instrumental in engaging task forces in various aspects of the initiative. To ensure alignment and respect the ongoing process, these efforts have been temporarily paused until critical questions about knowledge gaps can be addressed. This careful consideration underscores a commitment to advancing in a thoughtful and informed manner, ensuring that all actions taken are in the best interest of the communities and students served.
Sharing with the Field
Recognizing the field’s eagerness to learn from this ongoing work, plans are in place to share preliminary findings and insights. A session is scheduled for the upcoming Hitkadmut conference, and a proposal has been submitted for the Prizmah conference in February. Additionally, highlights will be shared in the November State of the Field report, through an OpEd, and via other communication channels to keep the field informed of the initiative’s progress. These efforts aim to ensure that the knowledge gained through Pritzat Derech is accessible and impactful for all Hebrew learners.
Entering the Next Phase
As outlined in the initiative’s timeline, this fall marks a significant transition from the “Development Phase” to the “Readiness Pilot Phase.” Current efforts are focused on exploring the most effective pathways for this transition, taking into account the lessons learned thus far, the readiness of communities, and the broader context of living in a post-October 7 world. Ongoing communication with various schools and communities is key to ensuring that the next steps align with the needs and readiness of those involved, paving the way for research-based training programs to be initially offered to mentors and teachers in pilot communities, with plans for broader expansion.
Conclusion
The Pritzat Derech initiative is at a pivotal moment, with significant research nearing completion, a pause for reflection and alignment in key areas, and a thoughtful approach to sharing knowledge with the field. As the initiative enters its next phase, continued collaboration and communication will be essential to its success. The contributions of all involved are deeply valued, and the potential impact of this work on the educational landscape, particularly for students with dyslexia and language learning challenges, is eagerly anticipated.
