Question

The developmental bilingual education (DBE) program began in the 1970s as an alternative to the transitional bilingual education (TBE) program models. These two program models might appear similar, but they have one distinct difference. What was the main difference between the DBE and TBE program models?

Answer 1

Answer: DBE is a late exit program while TBE is an early exit program.

Explanation:

Transitional bilingual education (TBE) and Developmental bilingual education (DBE) are subtractive, that is, bilingual programs that teach a new language in the learner’s native language .

TBE is an early-exit bilingual program which teaches the basics in the learner’s native language before switching to English. In contrast, DBE is a late-exit program, where more content is covered in the learner’s language and for a longer period before making the switch to English.