The rules and regulations governing Texas schools' treatment of the language and academic needs of limited-English-proficient (LEP) public school students are reviewed. First, a historical overview of the state's laws and regulations governing programs for the LEP population is presented. Second, the state's language and academic assessment process of LEP students is explained, including provisions for identification, classification, placement, exit, and reclassification. Through this assessment process, the instructional needs in a special language program can be determined. Third, program descriptions illustrate how Texas public schools have addressed students' different levels of language and academic abilities in disciplines such as language arts, science, social studies, and mathematics. Finally, the state's direction on changes to current and pending legislation that will affect LEP students is highlighted. Appended materials include the texts of the Texas State Board of Education's October 1985 rules on bilingual education and other special language programs, a list of approved tests for special language programs, and the information summary for the Texas Academic Skills Program Test. (MSE)