Besides teachers and tutors, a number of people will have the chance to play important roles in the social and educational development
of young learners. Parents, peers, and other community actors outside
the formal educational context can provide direct academic help, as well
as offer support in addressing interpersonal issues and serve as role
models motivating children in their educational path and furthering
their involvement in society. Migrant communities and parents often have
high aspirations for their children, and can provide emotional support
that will help students in school matters and general life issues.
of young learners. Parents, peers, and other community actors outside
the formal educational context can provide direct academic help, as well
as offer support in addressing interpersonal issues and serve as role
models motivating children in their educational path and furthering
their involvement in society. Migrant communities and parents often have
high aspirations for their children, and can provide emotional support
that will help students in school matters and general life issues.
Policymakers in the European Union have begun to recognize
immigration as a fundamental phenomenon to be considered across
educational measures. In 2008, the European Commission's Green Paper set
important guidelines for the education of migrants, highlighting the
importance of involving migrant communities in schools, addressing the
learning needs of both children and parents, and taking into account
both parents' and childrens' expectations of school. However, important
steps have yet to be taken to reach the international goals set by
European leaders and to truly improve integration and social cohesion.
This policy brief reviews current measures to promote the integration
of migrant students around Europe, specifically those policies and
government-backed projects that include the family and community as an
integral part of the educational process. The brief focuses on seven
examples of good practices that might serve as an inspiration for
educational policies across the continent.
See:
http://www.migrationpolicy.org/research/migrant-education-and-community-inclusion-examples-good-practice
