Based on the Education Monitor's findings, inadequate proficiency in the German language poses challenges for academic success.
According to a 2014 Education Monitor by INSM, children from immigrant families with limited German language skills and lower education levels face negative impacts on their educational paths. Experts suggest targeted assistance for these children and investments in early childhood education.
INSM CEO Thorsten Alsleben pointed out that the problem isn't immigration but "inadequate integration of kids from academically disadvantaged households." This overlooked demographic holds a substantial untapped potential.
Teenagers with an immigrant background typically underperform in math, science, and reading when their parents have less education. Factors such as lack of books at home and limited exposure to the German language contribute to this disparity. The immigration background alone holds minimal impact.
Young immigrant children are less likely to be read to at home and less likely to attend kindergarten. The struggles are particularly intense for children who themselves immigrated. About 40% of these kids don't have a parent fluent in German, and they also tend to lack a dedicated study space.
Furthermore, around 54% of these 15-year-olds attend schools where over half their classmates have an immigrant background, while only about 28% of kids without an immigrant background do so.
The integration strategies proposed by experts might not be sufficient if they fail to address the language barriers and educational disparities of immigrant children. The inadequate support and resources provided to these children may lead to continued academic struggles.
