The report reviews multicultural/bilingual programs for which funds have been allocated by the National Institute of Education (NIE) for fiscal year 1977-78. There are two major sections to the report. The first section discusses the history, legislation, and development of bilingual education programs in response to federal requirements. Mandates of the Bilingual Education Act require NIE and the Office of Education to undertake studies, develop and disseminate instructional materials, and establish a national clearinghouse for bilingual education. NIE's Multicultural/Bilingual Division must assist state and local education agencies in meeting the educational needs of students with limited English language skills or minority ethnic background. The report reviews research in the areas of instructional processes (educational design and implementation) and social cultural processes (social and community influences on education). The second section presents 26 abstracts for projects funded for 1977-78. Information is given on project title, contractor, project officer, duration, funding amount, summary, and products. The projects include test and curriculum development, teacher proficiency, and compilations of relevant readings. (AV)