The legislative mandate for bilingual education in Illinois was analyzed in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the mandate. Questions were addressed concerning the desired outcome of the mandate, the actual outcomes, and potential alternatives for bringing about the desired outcome. The history of the mandate for bilingual education and current issues related to the mandate were reviewed. Information was obtained through study of reports and statutes and interviews of teachers, administrators, and legislators. Among the issues reviewed were the purposes of bilingual education and the most effective ways to provide services to limited English speaking students. It was concluded that (1) the state has a compelling interest in mandating the provision of transitional bilingual education services to all limited English speaking students, (2) there is no need to mandate a particular instructional methodology for these services, and (3) the teaching of ethnic history and culture should not be required by law. Issues needing further study and recommendations for action are presented. The appendices provide legal and policy documents and evaluation questions. (RW)