The author surveys the history of attitudes and approaches toward educating Mexican-Americans and reviews some of the most outstanding contributions in the field. "The Invisible Minority" (National Education Association, 1966) states that the most acute educational problem in the Southwest is that which involves Mexican-American children. Dr. Nolan Estes, Associate Commissioner for Elementary and Secondary Education. Senator Ralph Yarborough, and Commissioner Harold Howe II are among those quoted in this paper for their efforts to promote bilingual and bicultural education. The 1960 census for Texas revealed the Mexican-Americans to have the highest dropout rate and the fewest number of persons 14 or over completing school. Nearly one fourth of the Mexican-Americans in Texas 25 years old or over had not completed one year of education; close to 40 percent of the adults were functional illiterates (fourth grade completed or less). Mexican-American student demands in Los Angeles are similar to those voiced in Chicago and San Antonio. The author balances his description of some of the difficulties met with by educators and students with mention of some instances of progress. A listing of hearings and conference reports is appended. (AMM)