Integration of migrant youth in the European society

While many students with a migrant background are successful in education and training, research demonstrates that in general they tend to have lower educational outcomes than their peers in most OECD countries. This can be explained by a number of barriers, including a lack of good diversity management in schools, language issues, lack of support from parents, low socio-economic background and financial barriers to remain in education.
Young people with a migrant background are also at greater risk of exiting the education and training system without having obtained an upper secondary qualification. The growing proportion of students with a migrant background in schools requires adaptation of the school systems to deliver high quality education for all and to capitalise on the potential of this diversity.
Stakeholders at different levels face severe challenges in accommodating the needs of young migrants effectively through education policies and practices. [See, for instance, the MIPEX assessment of education policies] The diversity of backgrounds and needs among these young people requires flexible and inclusive approaches. More needs to be done to adapt the educational systems to these challenges and this requires strong political commitment and going beyond compensatory measures. Read more...