Education and migration Martina Ní Cheallaigh - European Commission Strasbourg– 26 June 2008

A Green paper (adoption 2 July) It will take stock of research, open a debate with a view to defining an agenda: Underline the central role of education for integration Raise awareness of the problems, outline possible solutions and discuss implementation Reinforce the focus on equity in education Reflect on what can be done at EU level

The context Immigration main element of demographic growth in EU (steep increase in net migration in recent years) In many MS, 15% of pupils born in another country Steep and sudden growth: in IE, IT, ES, school pupils born in another country multiplied by 3 or 4 since 2000 Specific urban dimension: Rotterdam, Birmingham, Brussels – half school population has an immigrant background

The policy framework Education as building block of integration (Common Basic Principles): failure of education means wasting resources Different national visions on integration, but common problem of equal opportunities Mandate European Council 13-14 March 2008

Focus Broad focus: both 1st and 2nd generation, both EU or third countries Pupils who are marked "both by the linguistic and cultural differences between homes and schools, and by the low status of parents and ethnic identities in the host society"

The issue Significant educational difficulties for migrant pupils, even in second generation (PISA, data on ESL etc): challenge for social cohesion A challenge for education systems: need to cope with diversity and polarisation Diversity is a resource, but skills are needed to use it as such

Causes of educational disadvantage Individual background: socio-economic status, language, expectations BUT some countries are more successful in closing the gap – the external context MATTERS: early tracking, segregation, teachers’ competences, recognition of diversity, discrimination and stereotyping

Possible policy solutions Evidence of some effective measures – but necessity of exchange and debate on implementation Need for comprehensive strategies Need to assess and improve overall equity in education systems (costs of inequity!!!) Need for a comprehensive (interdepartmental approach), also at the local level.

Possible compensatory solutions: Language learning Positive discrimination Support activities and mentoring Second chance and adult education

Preventative measures: Preschool Desegregation Quality assurance for schools Training of teachers Mobilising families and communities Intercultural education

Addressing the issue at the European level Programmes (LLL, Youth, Progress, Integration fund) and structural funds (also “Regions for economic change” initiative) European years 2007-2008 An indicator/benchmark on school performance and/or ESL for migrants in future Education and Training post 2010 work programme? Follow up to Directive 77/486/CEE

Consultation will run until 31 December It invites respondents to: Identify additional policy challenges Suggest appropriate policy responses Give views on what actions could be undertaken via European Programmes, Open Method of Coordination, etc Suitability of the existing 1977 Directive and what are the alternatives if withdrawn?