Only 3 percent of ninth graders who took the nationwide standardized test in science last year met the standards set by the Education Ministry. Over half failed the exam. The data were also grim for the math and English exams administered to sixth graders – only 37 and 36 percent, respectively, met the standards. And only 20 percent of ninth graders who took the English test met the standard. In any other country, these numbers would shake the pillars of the earth and spark a debate over the education system's failures. But Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government scorns any hint of responsibility, transparency or statesmanlike behavior.