The development of data collection methods and selection criteria to identify and place Milwaukee students with limited English skills (LESA) is described for the period from 1974 to 1979. The various steps taken to implement federal and state regulations designed to meet the needs of the LESA students are set forth for each of the six years in question. It is concluded that the slow evolution of a system of identification and assessment for LESA students is due to difficulty in meeting the sometimes conflicting requirements of state and federal agencies, and to the lack of funds to implement such a system. Nevertheless, it is concluded that the goals of the data collection program are in sight and that Milwaukee will remain a leader in bilingual/bicultural education. Accompanying figures reproduce various forms used to collect data prior to identification and assessment. (JB)