The Limits of Educational Policy and Practice? The case of ethnic minorities in The Netherlands

This article describes the situation in the field of ethnic minorities and education in The Netherlands and other Western countries. The policy that has been and is being pursued in The Netherlands is central to this article, as well as the way in which this policy has been translated into practice. The most important aim of the policy is to combat educational disadvantages among minorities. Attention is paid to the evaluation of the various aspects related to the education offered to minorities. These evaluations show that even though a great deal has been brought about, policies have up until now hardly succeeded in improving the relative position of the minorities. On the basis of these findings, a number of changes have recently come about in the policy, that are likely to have far-reaching consequences for educational practice. To conclude this article attention is paid to this new policy.