Concept

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Promoting Integration and Equal Opportunity
through Targeted Support for Parents and Students at Schools with a High Proportion of Students from Migrant Backgrounds

Introduction

The growing diversity in schools presents both opportunities and challenges for inclusion efforts. Schools with a high proportion of students from immigrant backgrounds, in particular, face the task of promoting the integration and participation of all those involved.

The Foundation for the Support of the Education System of the German Education Directorate collaborates with educational institutions to establish and staff support systems designed to promote integration and equal opportunity.

This initiative aims to empower mothers and students with immigrant backgrounds through targeted measures, support their integration, and thereby facilitate successful inclusion.

Program 1:

Course offerings for mothers of students with an immigrant background

Objectives of the Program

· Strengthen the connection between mothers and the school

· Empower mothers to understand and use the language of instruction (German)

· Empower mothers in their role as their children's educators

· Empower women and promote their integration into local society

· Offer mothers a program that fits into their daily lives and is easy to access

Description of the Course Offerings/Support Services

The course offerings and support services are aimed at mothers of students with an immigrant background and are designed to be as accessible and flexible as possible to encourage high participation. The scope of the program is tailored to the needs of those interested. Individuals with relevant expertise are recruited as experts to design the courses and support services—including retired teachers who are willing to provide manageable levels of support for educational activities.

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Course Content

· Everyday language support: Basic German language skills with a focus on language used in school;

· Facilitating communication with teachers to help students understand school procedures;

· Information sessions on school-related topics, such as study skills, homework help, and parent-teacher conferences;

· Interactive sessions to strengthen parenting skills;

· Opportunities to interact with other mothers to foster social networks;

· Information on integration into local society and available support services.

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Expected Effects

· Improved communication between parents and the school

· Strengthening the role of mothers as educational partners and caregivers

· Increased motivation and sense of identification among mothers with the school system

· Promoting women's integration and self-confidence

Offer 2:

Supporting students with an immigrant background in learning German and establishing a support system to ensure successful inclusion and to assist with learning

Objectives:

Promoting the language proficiency of students with an immigrant background in a way that builds as effectively as possible on existing German language support measures and is coordinated with them.

Establishment of a sustainable support system to ensure successful inclusion and to support learning, one that is tailored to individual needs and enables students from immigrant backgrounds to receive targeted guidance throughout their educational journey (particularly during challenging phases and as they work toward earning their diplomas).

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Language Development Initiatives

Additional German language support classes during and outside of regular class time;

Provision of learning materials and digital resources for independent language development;

Developing or updating individualized education plans for students with special needs.

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Establishing a Support System

Establishment of a system of language mentors, inclusion mentors, and learning guides: Older or more advanced students, as well as external experts (e.g., retired teachers), support students in learning German and advise and guide them on their learning journey and in developing successful participation in the community;

Active involvement of parents—particularly mothers who have been empowered through “Program 1”—in school activities;

Collaboration with local integration and counseling centers.

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Expected Results

Improving the academic performance and self-esteem of students from immigrant backgrounds;

Successful completion of one's schooling;

Improving the classroom and school environment through greater understanding and cohesion;

Long-term promotion of equal opportunity and social inclusion.

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Conclusion

Targeted support for mothers and students from immigrant backgrounds is a key component of successful inclusion efforts in schools. Through language support, empowerment, and the development of sustainable networks, we not only promote integration but also enrich school life as a whole. Implementing this approach requires the cooperation of all stakeholders and should be continuously evaluated and refined.

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Development and Implementation

This “Framework Concept” was developed in consultation with schools facing particular challenges due to high concentrations of immigrant students, in collaboration with the Department of Education.

The implementation of specific measures at the local level remains the responsibility of the schools.

The “perspektiven-lernen” Foundation for the Support of the Education System provides the necessary financial resources (in the form of lesson packages) and handles the hiring of the necessary staff and the associated administrative work.

To ensure the orderly and transparent implementation of the projects, a cooperation agreement is concluded between the educational institutions and the Foundation.

The foundation is interested in evaluating the effectiveness of the measures and the quality of the programs in cooperation with the schools and, based on the results and feedback, further developing the concept together with the schools.