The paper provides up-to-date factual information for first and second language acquisition and bilingualism for administrators, teaching staff, parents, students, and others concerned with this subject. The overview of present educational theories, research and development, practices, and legislation in the areas of language acquisition and language learning includes: (1) a general view of theories and research on language acquisition; (2) a review of conferences and experimental designs in some European and Latin American countries; (3) a summary of the 3 most relevant taxonomies of bilingual education to date; (4) a list of the 123 programs in this country designed specifically for Mexican American children; (5) discussion summaries of exemplary programs in the Southwest; (6) a description of the unique immersion program being implemented in Culver City, California; (7) selected excerpts from legislation dealing with bilingual education; and (8) general conclusions and recommendations. Among the general recommendations are: (1) planning of bilingual curriculum to provide for all bilingual students; (2) providing a program flexible enough for slow learners and bright students as well; and (3) having all universities in the Southwest offer a bilingual education major. The form used to gather information on exemplary bilingual programs is presented in the appendix. (NQ)