The National Advisory Council on Bilingual Education's seventh annual report outlines the Council's mandate and activities and looks at the current state and future needs of bilingual education in the United States. In a section on program implementation, the report outlines local, state, and federal support efforts, program design and effectiveness, and capacity building. A chapter on program needs addresses the specific needs of American Indian language groups, Alaskan language groups, Puerto Rican language groups, and rural populations, and the general need for public awareness of bilingual education practices and results. Bilingual education as a potential for economic development and legislative direction and reauthorization issues are discussed in separate chapters. Council recommendations are made in each of these areas of concern. The projected directions and general recommendations of the Council are outlined in a concluding section. Specific recommendations for initiatives in policy formation, program development, and research are made to the Office of Bilingual Education and Minority Language Affairs, the Secretary of the Department of Education, and the President of the United States. Appended materials include the Council's charter and the names and addresses of its members as of December 1982. (MSE)