New NETA Hebrew Language Program Introduced in HS

Beth Tfiloh entire High School Hebrew faculty traveled to Boston this past spring and summer to immerse themselves in the curriculum and methodology of the NETA program. They returned with a great deal of excitement. Mrs. Niza Preis, High School Hebrew Language teacher, spoke to the entire faculty about NETA. She described the program as "an innovative and refreshing approach to Hebrew language . . . that caters to the intellect, and not only the skills, of each individual student."

Mrs. Zipora Schorr noted that NETA is a "community-wide commitment which will change the culture of our entire school."

The Hebrew Language Department spent much of the day meeting with Hilla Kobliner, Founder and Director of NETA Israel, who came to Beth Tfiloh from Boston to personally help teachers plan their implementation of the new curriculum this fall.

The NETA program is described on its website as:"an innovative Hebrew language curriculum . . . created by Hebrew language curriculum specialists from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, administered by Hebrew College and supported by The AVI CHAI Foundation."

The Mission of NETA is "to provide a comprehensive linguistic and educational framework that enables Jewish secondary school students to advance to high levels of Hebrew proficiency. Grounded in principles of second-language learning, this framework includes an intellectually rich and sequential curriculum, preparation of a cadre of master teachers, ongoing professional development for educators, consultation to schools, and evaluation of educational processes and outcomes. In so doing, we fulfill our commitment to cultivating a community of Jews who are poised to be active participants in the continual renewal of Hebrew culture and who feel a profound attachment to Am Yisrael (the Jewish people) and Medinat Yisrael (the State of Israel)."

"The teachers LOVE it," exclaimed Mrs. Preis. We look forward to hearing more reviews of this innovative new Hebrew program during the weeks and months to come.