Presented are transcripts of hearings on legislation which is intended to improve the operations of the federal bilingual education program by (1) focusing on building the capacity of the local educational agencies to carry out bilingual education programs; (2) broadening the range of instructional approaches eligible for assistance; (3) targeting assistance on the children of limited English proficiency most in need of such programs; and (4) providing financial assistance to state educational agencies for reviewing, evaluating, and monitoring bilingual education programs. Included with the hearings' transcripts and legislative text are the testimony and prepared statements, letters, and supplementary materials of the Secretary of the Department of Education, school district and state bilingual education program directors, professional association officers, congressional representatives, college faculty, and other federal agency officials. (MSE)