Euskadi's schools are experiencing a rapid increase in the number of immigrant students, with approximately 30 new foreign students enrolling daily. This influx presents various challenges, including language barriers (many students don't speak Spanish or Basque), socio-economic disadvantages, and pre-existing academic gaps due to factors such as the pandemic's impact on education in their home countries. The distribution of these students is uneven across public and private schools.
Last year (2022-2023), about 57% of new immigrant students were placed in public schools and 43% in private schools in Bizkaia. Within the private sector, Catholic schools enrolled a significant majority (70%). Public schools accommodate most of the immigrant students in primary and infant education, whereas private schools enroll more in secondary education.
Many students lack proficiency in Spanish or Basque, further hindering their academic progress. Language support programs exist but are often insufficient. The article highlights the difficulties faced by teachers in addressing the diverse needs of these students, particularly in the context of the Basque-language immersion model (Modelo D) classes. Many students require significant academic catch-up, and this frequently leads to students not completing their ESO (secondary school) qualifications.
The article emphasizes the need for comprehensive support systems to help these students succeed. These include improved language support, adapted curriculum materials, increased engagement with families (many of whom face significant social and economic disadvantages), and possibly the expansion of the diversification curriculum in secondary education. School administrators, teachers, and parents are all trying to navigate these challenges.