What is a key characteristic of transitional bilingual education programs?

Transitional bilingual education programs are designed to help English language learners acquire proficiency in English while they continue to develop their academic skills. The key characteristic of these programs is the focus on rapid English acquisition, which facilitates the transition of students to mainstream English-speaking classrooms. The goal is to support students in becoming proficient in English as quickly as possible, allowing them to fully participate in the broader academic environment.

In transitional bilingual education, students often receive instruction in their native language initially, but as they progress, the amount of instruction in English increases. This approach recognizes the importance of students' native languages while prioritizing the swift transition to English, which is essential for their academic success in predominantly English-speaking contexts. While other aspects, such as maintaining cultural heritage or developing literacy in both languages, may be present in varying degrees, the primary emphasis remains on equipping students with strong English language skills.