This report discusses demographic characteristics of migrant students in the United States, their educational needs, the features of federally-funded programs under the Migrant Education Program (MEP) legislation reform, and suggestions for enhancing current migrant student performance. The MEP was established in 1966 and reauthorized in 1994. It provides educational services for migrant students and facilitates interstate coordination of these services. Demographics outlined include geographical distribution by state, age, and language of the program participants. Educational needs reviewed include factors of mobility, work and family responsibilities, poverty, and language and culture. The 1994 reauthorization mandated reforms that focused limited federal funds on the neediest students with the highest risk of academic failure. Strategies for improving migrant student performance include classroom buddies, parent outreach, attention to warning signs, extracurricular activities, and effective schooling. Information is included on the three program coordination centers operated under the Office of Migrant Education; these centers were scheduled to be replaced by 15 comprehensive regional assistance centers in 1995. (Contains 22 references.) (NAV)