This paper states the position of the National Council of State Supervisors of Foreign Languages (NCSSFL) in regard to bilingual education. The Council feels that the ethnic languages and cultures of the people living in the United States should be preserved in order to strengthen and enrich the total American society. It therefore favors maintenance rather than transitional bilingual programs. The following eight points are considered integral parts of an effective bilingual program: (1) scholastic achievement in two languages is commensurate with the age, ability, and grade level of students; (2) bilingual education is an integral part of the school's regular program; (3) development of a positive self-image in students is a primary consideration; (4) fluency and literacy in two languages are expected; (5) professional staff development is included; (6) cross-cultural understanding is stressed; (7) educators in all types of language programs make efforts toward common goals; and (8) provisions are made to allow all students the opportunity to develop bilingual/multicultural proficiencies to a high degree in a well-ordered program. (CFM)