Education Field

Education for children growing up in out-of-home care:
Children who have been removed from their biological homes due to violence, abuse, and neglect must contend with physical and emotional trauma.  These children’s struggles extend to the scholastic realm, where they struggle with motivation and attention disorders, as well as an inability to adapt to the school environment. Academic gaps appear for these children very early on, as they must struggle with their trauma and their out-of-home placement, which  distract them from acquiring basic academic skills.  Studies in Israel and around the world have noted lower achievements among out-of-home care students as compared to their peers, as well as lower chances of earning their matriculation and a higher chance of dropping out of school altogether.

Early intervention can help reduce educational gaps.

Orr Shalom’s Education Program:
Studies show that children in Orr Shalom’s Therapeutic Family Group Homes achieve greater academic success than children in other out-of-home placement in Israel.  Orr Shalom believes that a continued investment in the academic progress of children will enable them to maximize their potential, thereby ensuring social mobility. Orr Shalom’s educational programs complement the learning skills being taught in school and aim to enhance students’ learning competencies and supply them with tools and strategies that will lead to greater academic achievements.

Foundations Program:
The Foundations Program was designed to reinforce primary school students by teaching core learning skills in language and mathematics as they enter Orr Shalom’s Therapeutic Family Group Homes and foster families, helping them close academic gaps and bring them up to their appropriate level. The program includes:

• Bi-weekly private tutoring focused on teaching and reinforcing core learning skills. Lessons are held at the students’ home and follow a unique curriculum tailored to the personal needs of each student.
• Promoting reading and developing mathematical skills through interactive practice within the Therapeutic Family Group Homes and foster families. Orr Shalom’s professional team provides house parents and foster parents with kits containing interesting reading materials and age-appropriate math games. Interactive learning has been proven to improve scholastic abilities.

Matriculation Preparatory Program:
This program was designed for students in grades 10-12 who are about to take their matriculation exams. The goal of the program is to enhance students’ accomplishments and prepare them for the different matriculation exams by means of private tutoring sessions with  professional teachers after school hours. Dozens of Orr Shalom teens benefit from consistent  tutoring sessions tailored to their specific needs.  We know that this program significantly helps  our teens achieve satisfying matriculation grades and maximize their potential.