This report summarizes a fact-finding forum (May 6, 1988) on the status of bilingual education in Chicago (Illinois), held to fulfill a court-mandated responsibility to identify and uncover disparities in education. Six invited panelists, representing all areas of bilingual education and seven teachers, school staff, community group representatives, and concerned citizens testified. The following general issues were identified: (1) inadequate funding; (2) the lack of wide support for bilingual education; (3) the need for links with the job market; (4) the importance of a bicultural emphasis; (5) the current unmet need for training programs, teacher recruitment, media campaigns, classroom materials, and research studies; and (6) the barriers to parent participation. The following issues specific to bilingual education programs in Chicago were identified: (1) program evaluation; (2) the bilingual teacher shortage; (3) competencies for bilingual teachers; (4) supplementary teacher training; (5) retention of qualified teachers; (6) the English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) curriculum; and (7) the need for statistical data to support funding proposals. Statistical data are presented in two tables. The testimony of seven witnesses, the forum agenda and publicity, and Article 14C of the School Code of Illinois are appended. (FMW)