Migrant Children Rapidly Close Education Gap in Netherlands

Researchers in the Netherlands found that children of migrants close their education gap within one generation, improving skills by 50 to 60 percent. A new study compared the language and math skills of 27,390 parents to those of their 43,795 children, using Cito test scores dating back to 1977.

The study focused on individuals with origins in Suriname, the Antilles, Morocco, and Turkey. The research indicates that the parents’ education level, not their migration background, is the primary factor in children’s skill development.

Researchers observed that the gap in educational attainment is shrinking and could virtually disappear after two or three generations. Sociologists note this is the first study to provide data on the third generation of migrants, revealing they outperform their parents. While the findings are encouraging, experts caution against complacency and emphasize the continued need for focused support for new migrant groups to ensure similar progress.