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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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 March 2008

5. 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"

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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.

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

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

11. Addressing the issue at the European level
Programmes (LLL, Youth, Progress, Integration fund) and structural funds (also “Regions for economic change” initiative)
European years
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

12. 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?