Evaluation
The integration courses are constantly being developed and improved. An extensive evaluation took place in 2006, and in December 2007 its results were incorporated into the first revision of the Ordinance on Integration Courses (IntV). In addition the "Integration Panel" research project was launched in 2007. Its objective is to examine the effectiveness and sustainability of integration courses.
Results of the evaluation
The key result set out in the final report on the evaluation carried out by Rambøll Management was as follows:
"Integration courses represent a clear improvement in the quality of German integration policy.[…] By implementing [these courses], we have been successful in removing deficiencies and gaps in language support previously offered to immigrants. Achievements have also been made by joining up the various different tools which have existed to date and combining these in one approach. As a result, responsibilities have been combined and a well-structured support programme has been set up.[…] The new system for integration courses has been established and proved itself and now, for the first time, it offers the option of systematic and high-quality support for integrating all immigrants. With this approach, the Government is on the right path."
However, the final report also drew attention to areas of potential improvement. The Ordinance on Integration Courses was amended on the basis of the results of the evaluation. Most of the improvements that were proposed as a result of the evaluation have now been taken into account.
The most important changes include:
- abolishing particular information obligations imposed on course providers
- reducing the maximum number of attendees per course group to 20 (previously 25)
- increasing the number of lessons in special integration courses to 900 on the language course (previously 600)
- introducing a new special type of course: the support course (for attendees with a high level of language support needs)
- introducing intensive courses with a total of 430 lessons
- reimbursing travel costs for attendees who are required to attend an integration course by providers of basic security benefits and for attendees who are exempt from costs
- paying a travel allowance to attendees who are required to attend a course by their local immigration office
- making it possible to re-take the follow-on language course
- reimbursing 50% of the cost contribution if the final test is passed within two years.
"Integration Panel" research project
The primary aim of the "Integration Panel" research project is to monitor the effectiveness and sustainability of the integration courses. The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees examines how the German-language skills and the general integration of the course attendees and various groups of participants are developing during the course. The findings are used to help design and manage the integration courses. The project is building on the findings from the survey of attendees carried out by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees in 2005 and the evaluation carried out by Rambøll Management in 2006.
Course attendees and control group surveyed
To measure the influence of the integration courses, both integration course attendees and a control group of non-course attendees were surveyed using a random sample. Both groups receive a standardised questionnaire translated into several languages. The survey of a control group of non-course attendees helps the investigation to establish if course attendees integrate into society more quickly than those who do not attend a course and whether the integration courses are thereby achieving their aim. The group of course attendees was surveyed three times (long-term study): at the beginning of the course (2007), at the end of the course (2007/2008) and approximately one year after the end of the course (2009). The control group was surveyed twice – at intervals of approximately one year – by the "MARPLAN research institute" (2008 and 2009).
Publications
Two working papers have been published (available only in German on the German version of this site) as part of the research project to date. Working paper no. 19 introduces the research project. Following this is a description of the total of 3,960 integration course attendees who were surveyed. It is based on the data of the first survey which was carried out at the start of the integration courses in the summer of 2007. It focuses on the socio-demographic structure, the linguistic backgrounds and the German-language skills of the attendees, as well as on a broad spectrum of other aspects of integration. The Working Paper concludes with an analysis of the subjective assessment of courses by the attendees.
Working Paper no. 23 examines the progress made during the course by the integration course attendees in respect of their everyday language skills and ability. The first part of the working paper focuses on the language skills of integration course attendees that are relevant to everyday life. The paper investigates which areas show marked improvements (e.g. introducing oneself) and which areas the attendees find more difficult (e.g. telephone calls). The second part of the working paper looks at the development of general language skills. Using regression analyses, the influence of important determinants on language skills relevant to everyday life such as age, school education, social contacts and country of origin are examined at the start of the course and at the end of the course, and also with regard to the increase in language skills. In addition, recommendations for action for improving support for course attendees are made.
