This report summarizes academic assessment data for Las Cruces (New Mexico) Public Schools bilingual students in 1996-97. It has eight sections: (1) results of the Iowa Test of Basic Skills for third, fifth, and eighth grade students; (2) results of the La Prueba tests for grades three, five, and eight; (3) results of the New Mexico High School Competency Examination for grades nine through twelve; (4) results of the New Mexico Portfolio Writing Assessment for grades four and six; (5) reading assessment results for grades one and two; (6) information regarding retention rate for bilingual students in comparison with other students; (7) grade point averages of bilingual students in comparison with others; and (8) discussion of the preparation of teachers endorsed in bilingual education to meet bilingual students' needs. Conclusions are drawn and recommendations made in each area. (MSE)