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Transitional Bilingual Early Exit (TBEE)

The Transitional Bilingual Early Exit (TBEE) program is an elementary-level instructional model specifically designed for Spanish-speaking Emergent Bilingual students. This model focuses on utilizing a student’s home language as a foundational resource while they work toward full academic proficiency in English.

Program Goal

  • The primary objective of the TBEE program is to prepare students to meet state reclassification criteria so they can successfully transition into all-English instruction with no further second language acquisition support. This transition typically occurs between two to five years after the student first enrolls in school.

How Your Child Learns a Second Language

The ESL program is delivered by teachers who are trained in Content-Based Language Instruction (CBLI). 

  • Learning by Doing: We use a “Content-Based” approach. This means your child doesn’t sit in a separate room to learn English grammar rules. Instead, they learn English while conducting science experiments, solving math puzzles, and reading exciting stories. They stay on track with their grade level while they master a new language.
  • Linguistic Scaffolding: Teachers use specific tools such as visual aids, sentence stems, and graphic organizers to make complex English content “comprehensible” for students at all proficiency levels.
  • A Supportive Home Away From Home: We provide “Affective Support,” which simply means we care for the whole child. We build their confidence by incorporating their cultural traditions into the classroom, making sure they feel safe and proud to take risks as they learn.

Program Eligibility

Students are identified for the TBEE program through a standardized state process:

  1. Home Language Survey (HLS) indicates Spanish
  2. Student is identified as an Emergent Bilingual (EB)
  3. Language Proficiency Assessment Committee (LPAC) recommends Bilingual program placement
  4. Parent approves student participation in Bilingual program.

Regional Availability (SY26-27)

For the 2026-2027 school year, the TBEE program will be offered at several campuses as KIPP Texas continues its multi-year transition toward a network-wide Dual Language model.

RegionSchool
Grade Levels Offered
Austin
KIPP Comunidad, KIPP Paseo
Grades 2–5
Dallas

KIPP Truth Primary, KIPP Pleasant Grove		PK–5
HoustonKIPP Sharp, Dream, Legacy, Nexus, Mosaic, Shine, Connect, Explore, Climb, Journey, Unity, Zenith, PeacePK–5 (varies by campus)

San Antonio
KIPP Somos, KIPP Esperanza		Grades 2–4