The issues of reading in bilingual education are examined with a primary focus on the contemporary classroom in the United States. Within bilinqual education, concern for reading has seldom reflected current research and theory, and little research has focused on reading within bilingual programs. In addition to focusing on the specifics of the classroom, issues are discussed in the context of human language and language use now and in the past. The development of literacy in multilingual countries must be based on understanding of linguistic realities in specific locations and must be in tune with political, economic, and cultural realities. The range of possibilities in the school's responses to bilingual or multilingual realities and the kind of literacy program each alternative requires are presented. The series of alternatives focus on maintenance, transitional, and English as a second language programs. Three common assumptions that have dominated curricular suggestions in bilingual literacy programs are discussed, and the range of ways to attend to reading issues in schools with bilingual pupils are examined. Teaching methods, instructional materials, and program evaluation for reading instruction in a bilingual, biliterate curriculum are covered. A list of references and information sources for bilingual bicultural materials is included. (SW)