What is a key feature of the Transitional Bilingual Education (TBE) Program?

Utilization of students' native language is a key feature of the Transitional Bilingual Education (TBE) Program. This approach acknowledges and leverages the students' first language (L1) to help them acquire English (L2) more effectively. By using the native language in instruction, educators can provide meaningful academic content while students learn the new language, thus supporting their cognitive development and maintaining cultural ties. This method facilitates a smoother transition to English by ensuring that students do not fall behind academically while they are acquiring language skills.

Other options either misrepresent the philosophy of TBE or do not align with its objectives. Immediate mainstreaming upon acquiring English overlooks the gradual process of language acquisition that TBE fosters. Exclusively English instruction contradicts the fundamental principle of TBE, which is to use the native language as a bridge to learning English. Finally, the complete elimination of L1 instruction is contrary to the essence of TBE, which emphasizes a transitional approach rather than a total immersion in English.