This booklet contains guidelines to assist school districts in developing programs that meet the requirements of the New York State Bureau of Bilingual Education. The guidelines are presented in six parts: (1) an explanation of part 154 of the regulations, the purpose of which is to establish standards for the use of funds made available by the Legislature to provide financial assistance to school districts having pupils of limited English proficiency (LEP); (2) notes on the identification of eligible students; (3) an outline of types of programs required by law, including guidelines for bilingual education and English Second Language programs; (4) guidelines for assessing a student's proficiency each year to determine continuing eligibility for state aid; (5) explanation of the plan districts are required to develop, which meets the needs of LEP students; and (6) exceptions to the New York State district plan, generally districts which are under court order or agreement with a Federal agency regarding provision of services to LEP students. There are four appendices that provide sample instruments, questionnaires, regulations on teacher certification, and alternative testing procedures for non-English speaking students. (AMH)