Scenario for the "ORT Young Women for the 21st Century" by Yael Rom Israel has won worldwide acclaim as a country for the excellence of its hi-tech industries. The international reputation of these companies, and the brainpower that drives them, creates an increasing demand for their products and attracts local and international entrepreneurs and investors. The growing demand for highly qualified engineers and scientists in these companies has far exceeded the number of Israeli graduates in engineering and the physical sciences. In Israel, not enough young men and women have studied and sat for the matriculation exams in advanced level mathematics and physics, these being prerequisites for academic studies in engineering and physical sciences. Three years ago, the Israel ORT network decided to take action to increase the pool of high school graduates in advanced level science-technology tracks, so as to provide ORT students with the academic basis needed to successfully complete their studies in engineering and the physical sciences, and to join the industries that desperately need them. The main objective of the "ORT for the 21st Century" program is to identify and foster underachieving pupils. The program improves teaching and learning methods among teachers and pupils and improves their achievements, thereby helping them improve their self-image and raise their expectations. Included in the program are visits to hi-tech industries around the country, familiarizing pupils with the profession and enabling them to understand the relevance of their schools studies and encourage them to plan careers in one of the various hi-tech industries. The peer-teaching program is an important element in the overall program. Excellent pupils in grades 11 and 12 are trained to serve as peer teachers of underachieving pupils in grades 8 and 9. The tutoring lessons are given in the school itself under the supervision of mathematics teachers, who have been trained by us as coordinators and mentors. The peer-teaching program has had excellent results in junior high schools. Furthermore, positive results have been evident not only in pupils' achievement in mathematics, but also in improved attitudes towards the studies of maths and studies in general. The program includes the following: In grade 7 One additional hour of maths per week throughout the year, in groups of 12-15 pupils per group, taught by their regular maths teacher. In grade 8-9 Peer-teaching in groups of three pupils per tutor takes place once a week; a two-hour lesson is given in each group by an outstanding 11th grade pupil. In grade 10 One additional hour of maths per week throughout the year, for pupils who are studying advanced level maths towards 4 or 5 matriculation credits. Classes consist of 12-15 pupils, and are taught by their regular teachers. In 11 grade One additional hour of maths classes is given throughout the entire year, for pupils taking 5 credits of math. The class is taught by the regular teacher and lessons are given to groups of 12-15 pupils. At all 7th - 11th grade levels 2 days (10 hours) during Chanukah (winter) vacation; 3-5 days (15 hours) during the Pesach (spring) vacation, and 6-8 days (30 hours) during the second half of August. The cumulative number of extra lessons in mathematics come to 85-100 for each grade level each year. the program offers courses in groups of 12-15 pupils during school vacations. The hours are as follows: When pupils study in small groups with a teacher or tutor, they are better able to understand the material presented in their regular classes, and doing homework becomes easier. Gradually, they reach a higher level of understanding, develop better study habits, do their homework properly and learn to persevere in solving problems. These tools can then help the pupil face the demands of learning in a larger class, enabling her/him to master the material, including special bonus questions, and achieve higher grades in examinations. Back Home