JUST LIKE ANY STUDENT: FACILITATING FACTORS FOR THE TRANSOTION FROM INTERNATIONAL CONNECTION CLASSES (ISK) TO DUTCH SECONDARY EDUCATION

Abstract

Young newcomers in the Netherlands from the age of twelve often start their education in International Connection Classes (Internationale Schakelklas; ISK), where they learn Dutch and get acquainted with the Dutch education system. Afterwards, they can transfer to a secondary school. Students often enroll in lower levels of secondary education than their cognitive capacities would allow. Moreover, they are getting used to a new school while also getting used to a new host country. This could impede the newcomer’s chances to full participation and development. The Capability Approach and Biesta’s interdependent functions of education call for additional measures to be taken for minorities, in line with an equity stance. This phenomenological study investigated which factors could facilitate the transition to secondary education for young newcomers. A document review was conducted and four (n = 4) ISK-experts and seven (n = 7) former ISK-students were interviewed. The results of the study point out that an individualized school culture and social support are key to assure a smooth transition to the new school. The conclusion of this study is that young newcomers wish to be ‘just’ a student, but in reality they are not. They need additional support with getting used to the new school. Minimal measures are recommended in order to appreciate young newcomers’ needs to not stand out, but nevertheless have support available.