Baseline Student Assessments

    The baseline assessments listed here assess language proficiency in terms of a speaker’s ability to use the language effectively and appropriately in a spontaneous and non-rehearsed context, regardless of when, where, why, or how a speaker has acquired their language. These assessments are not performance tests that assess acquisition of specific aspects of course and curriculum content, nor are they tied to any specific method of instruction.

    We highly recommend schools assess each student to establish an accurate baseline picture, allowing for informed decision making regarding the Hebrew program and professional learning focus. Baseline and annual assessment of all students is recommended, though schools may choose to assess specific grades.

    AVANT Proficiency Assessment (for Grades 3 -12)

    Avant STAMP stands for Standards-Based Measure of Proficiency and is a web-based test that assesses language proficiency. The test has four sections – reading comprehension, writing, listening and speaking, and the results of this test inform test takers and educators about learning progress and program effectiveness. For students, this creates opportunities for the Global Seal of Biliteracy, recognition of students, teachers, and schools at Heseg, and university credit for Hebrew by exam.

    ELLOPA Proficiency (for JK-Grade 2)

    ELLOPA stands for Early Language Listening and Oral Proficiency Assessment and is a Hebrew at the Center developed ELLOPA-based interview tool.

    MaDYK

    MaDYK is a universal screening assessment of Hebrew reading fluency skills, which give teachers the ability to simply and easily assess and monitor a child’s Hebrew fluency reading level.

    We can provide data analysis and preparation of presentation materials for parents and lay leadership.

    State of the Field Report

    The State of the Field report brings together significant work of partners and stakeholders to better understand, recognize and leverage advancements in Hebrew education throughout our field. The detailed report, published annually, features aggregated and curated knowledge acquired from our field over the past 12 months.

    Download the December 2025 State of the Field Report

    The December 2025 report is filled with charts, graphs, statistics, and analysis, including:

    • Hebrew education during a time of war: exploring how language, identity, and belonging intersect in today’s classrooms

    • Insights into shifting educator roles, particularly around teaching Israel in Hebrew with ideological and pedagogical clarity

    • New student achievement data, including MaDYK and Avant STAMP findings

    • New initiatives, such as Pritzat Derech: Hebrew for All and Pathways to Hebrew Proficiency

    • Field-wide research on Hebrew literacy, including what we now know about effective Hebrew reading instruction and support for students with language-based learning disabilities

    • Celebration of student and educator achievement

    We hope you find this report adds to your understanding of the current Hebrew language teaching and learning landscape.

    מדי שנה, דו״ח מצב התחום מרכז מחקרים עדכניים, נתונים ומגמות המעצבים את שדה הוראת השפה העברית בתפוצות. מתוך ההבנה שהוראה יעילה נשענת על ראיות, הדו״ח משקף מחויבות משותפת לחיזוק תהליכי ההוראה והלמידה של השפה העברית באמצעות פרקטיקות מבוססות מחקר.

    מתכני דו״ח מצב התחום 2025: החינוך לעברית בבתי ספר יהודיים בצפון אמריקה:

    • חינוך לעברית בזמן מלחמה: בחינה של נקודות המפגש בין שפה, זהות ותחושת שייכות בכיתות הלימוד במציאות הנוכחית

    • תובנות על השינויים בתפקיד צוותי הוראת העברית, במיוחד סביב הוראת ישראל בעברית תוך שמירה על בהירות אידאולוגית ופדגוגית

    • נתונים חדשים על הישגי תלמידים, כולל ממצאי מדי״ק ו-Avant STAMP

    • יוזמות חדשות, כגון פריצת דרך: עברית לכל ותכנית נתיבים להצלחה 

    • מחקר רחב־תחום בנושא אוריינות עברית, הכולל מסקנות עדכניות על הוראה אפקטיבית של קריאה בעברית ותמיכה בתלמידים בעלי לקויות למידה מבוססות שפה

    • הוקרת הישגי תלמידים ותלמידות ומחנכיהם. 
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    Previous Reports

    Leading in Hebrew: Transforming Hebrew Language Education

    Explore the journey and outcomes of Leading in Hebrew (LIH), an innovative initiative by Hebrew at the Center aimed at elevating Hebrew language education in Jewish day schools. Over four and a half years, LIH supported two schools—Milton Gottesman Jewish Day School and Chicago Jewish Day School—as they enhanced their Hebrew curricula, improved student proficiency, and integrated Hebrew more deeply into school culture.

    Discover the successes, challenges, and key insights gained from this transformative project, and see how LIH is shaping the future of Hebrew education.