Intended as a resource text for educational researchers, administrators, teachers, and other persons interested in the education of Mexican Americans, this book is based on a substudy of the Mexican American Study Project conducted at the University of California at Los Angeles. Data were drawn from over 250 formal interviews with school personnel and selected laymen. In addition, special school programs and everyday classes were observed. The field research was concentrated in California and Texas, although the other southwestern states were also visited. Contents of the book are grouped under 6 headings: (1) A History of Problems and Influences, (2) Failure of the Culture, (3) The Default of the School, (4) Mexican American Reactions to School and Community, (5) Special School Programs for Mexican American Children, and (6) Where to from Here. A bibliography containing 180 titles is appended. (TL)