This article discusses the implications of the present trend towards bilingual education in the United States. Special attention is paid to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, which has established bilingual programs in all of its public schools. Included among the possible effects of the new law are the following points of interest: (1) Students will receive instruction in their mother tongue for all required subjects; during the same period they will receive instruction in English as a second language; (2) Students born in the United States may also enroll in bilingual programs if English is not the language spoken at home; (3) Students who speak little or no English will be automatically enrolled in the bilingual program; (4) Students should undergo a comprehensive examination in English each year; (5) Bilingual students should be placed in grades according to their age; and (6) Bilingual programs should be conducted--space permitting--in a regular, district school building. (SK)