What do exit criteria determine for English language learners?

Exit criteria are essential for evaluating when an English language learner (ELL) is ready to transition from specialized language support to mainstream English-only classes. These criteria are typically based on assessments of language proficiency, academic performance, and the ability to function successfully in a general education environment without additional support.

By establishing clear exit criteria, schools can ensure that ELLs have developed the necessary language skills to engage fully in classroom activities and meet the academic demands of their new learning environment. This transition is crucial as it marks a significant milestone in the learner's educational journey and reflects their ability to communicate effectively and participate meaningfully with peers.

The other options do not accurately reflect the role of exit criteria. Specific learning objectives for bilingual education relate to curriculum goals, requirements for obtaining scholarships are typically unrelated to language proficiency levels, and recommendations for additional language support focus on ongoing needs rather than criteria for exiting a language program.