The current criterion for acceptance to universities in Israel is based on psychometric test which presents a strong barrier for acceptance of
students of Ethiopian origin (SEO) to the universities. The main goal of the project developed at the Feuerstein Institute is to enhance integration of SEO into Israeli society by means of their academic integration. A selection process for university admission was based on the Learning Propensity Assessment Device (LPAD) and an interview. The LPAD is a dynamic assessment which includes pre-teaching, teaching and post-teaching test. Following that all students participated in a short-term learning skills program for university studies using the Feuerstein Instrumental Enrichment program. A group of SEO (n = 665) with low psychometric score, applied to the Feuerstein Institute for assistance in admission to university. All applicants were administered the LPAD and were interviewed. A group of 155 (23%) candidates were selected for the project; their psychometric score was significantly lower (M = 512.47, SD = 79.64) than the national average (M = 632.83, SD = 53.95). Out of all students who began their studies at the university, only 5% have withdrawn as compared to
7.5% on national sample. The findings indicate that use of dynamic assessment may be considered as a more effective mechanism of selection of students with depriving background to the university than the standardized psychometric test.

Published in: Canada International Conference on Education, 2017

• Date of Conference: 26-29 June, 2017
• DOI: 10.2053/CICE.2017.0273
• Electronic ISBN: 978-1-908320-83-4
• Conference Location: University of Toronto Mississauga, Canada