Changes in the legislative history of specialized education for students of limited English proficiency are described in this paper, beginning with the authorization of the Bilingual Education Act of 1968 and going through the reauthorizations of the Act in 1974, 1978, 1984, and 1988. Important events surrounding the legislative action are also described in order to provide greater understanding of the social and economic circumstances that influenced legislative changes. Examples include the civil rights movement, Supreme Court cases such as Lau v. Nichols, the Equal Education Opportunity Act, and the Lau remedies. Because the Bilingual Education Act provides competitive grants that school districts and other educational institutions may apply for, the fiscal support provided by the federal government is also reviewed. Contains 10 references. (LB)