What characterizes early-exit bilingual education?

The characteristic of early-exit bilingual education is defined by the swift transition from bilingual instruction to English-only education, typically within one or two years. This model is designed for students who are English language learners and emphasizes the rapid acquisition of English skills. The students initially receive instruction in their native language alongside English, but the goal is to move them quickly into an English-only environment.

This transitional approach aims to help students achieve proficiency in English as soon as possible, under the belief that doing so will enable them to succeed in mainstream classes and better integrate into the educational system. By the time they exit the bilingual program, students are expected to be prepared to continue their education primarily in English, which can sometimes result in challenges if they have not fully developed their language skills.

The other options illustrate different aspects of bilingual education models that do not pertain specifically to early-exit programs. For instance, remaining in bilingual programs for multiple years or receiving instruction in both languages until graduation represents long-term or developmental bilingual education approaches. Excluding the native language altogether contradicts the foundational principles of bilingual education, where the native language is a critical component in aiding learning and fostering bilingualism.