The major concern of the educational system in Israel today is how to advance students who come from low socioeconomic backgrounds and from a cultural background which is different from that of the privileged sectors of the population. In general, the problem of educationally disadvantaged students is related to the problem of social gaps. These gaps are found primarily between those coming from the Afro-Asian countries and those whose origin is in Western Europe or the Americas. Changes in the treatment of the educationally disadvantaged are represented by two main programs: The Reform of Secondary Education Accompanied by Integration, and a comprehensive program for the disadvantaged called The Educational Welfare Program. Other programs include boarding programs, tutoring programs, and programs for dropouts. Much remains to be done, however, as is shown by numerous studies which point to unsatisfactory academic achievement and a continuing education gap. (Author/RLV)