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Refugee Peers in Language-Support and Ability-Tracked Classes: Evidence from Switzerland

Author

Listed:
  • Siwar Khelifa
  • Bruno Lanz
  • Marco Pecoraro

Abstract

We study the effects of the 1990-2000 inflow of Yugoslav refugees to Switzerland on incumbent pupils. Using administrative records from Geneva, we examine two integration mechanisms: language-support classes before entering regular classes and ability-based sorting into academic tracks. We find asymmetric effects between immigrant and native incumbents. First, a higher refugee concentration in language classes reduces grade repetition among low-achieving immigrants but increases it among natives. Second, a higher within-track refugee concentration improves immigrants' upward track transitions but raises natives' risk of downward transitions. Cross-track spillovers also arise: high-track refugees increase natives' upward transitions whereas low-track refugees lower downward transitions.

Suggested Citation

  • Siwar Khelifa & Bruno Lanz & Marco Pecoraro, 2025. "Refugee Peers in Language-Support and Ability-Tracked Classes: Evidence from Switzerland," IRENE Working Papers 25-05, IRENE Institute of Economic Research.
    • Handle: RePEc:irn:wpaper:25-05
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    JEL classification:

    • H75 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations - - - State and Local Government: Health, Education, and Welfare
    • F22 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - International Migration
    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • J15 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Minorities, Races, Indigenous Peoples, and Immigrants; Non-labor Discrimination

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