Transitional bilingual education primarily serves which of the following purposes?

Transitional bilingual education is designed primarily to facilitate a quick transition to English while ensuring that students can succeed academically. The focus of this model is on helping non-English speakers gain proficiency in English as rapidly as possible so they can participate fully in mainstream classes.

In transitional bilingual education, students initially receive instruction in their native language while gradually introducing English. The goal is to support students in understanding core content areas without language being a barrier, thereby promoting their academic success as they transition to an English-only educational environment. Over time, the amount of instruction in the native language is reduced, emphasizing English to ensure that students become fluent and proficient in their new language, allowing them to thrive in an English-speaking academic context.

This model differs from others that might focus on maintaining bilingualism throughout a student's academic career or prioritizing the preservation of cultural identity, which are more aligned with comprehensive or maintenance bilingual education approaches.