In compliance with state law, the Austin Independent School District (AISD) (Texas) provides programs to help students identified as limited English proficient (LEP). These are Bilingual Education (BE) courses which provide dual-language instruction in major content areas, and English as a Second Language (ESL), which provides intensive English instruction. In 1993-94, AISD enrolled 9,139 LEP students, of whom 91% were Spanish speakers, 4% were Vietnamese, and 5% represented 52 other language groups. Most LEP students (7,213) were served through LEP or BE programs, although the parents of 1,339 LEP students refused services for their children. The numbers of AISD's LEP students have been increasing for the last 7 years. Their achievement as measured by standardized tests, including a Spanish-language instrument, is generally below that of state and national comparison groups. Exited LEP students dropped out less frequently; were retained less often; made higher grade point averages (GPAs); and were involved in fewer disciplinary incidents than students districtwide. A 4-year comparison of LEP students and those whose parents refused services indicated better attendance, GPAs, and lower retention and discipline rates for served students. Recommendations are made for program improvement. (Contains 41 figures, 11 attachments in tabular form, and 13 references.) (SLD)