This document addresses several of the problems of educational planning in Latin America. Emilia Ferreiro, in "Alternatives to Understanding Illiteracy in the Region," suggests that illiteracy in this region is preventing the attainment of democracy. As social inequality increases, so does the percentage of illiterate adults. Revolutionary social change has been effective in bringing literacy to some developing countries where literacy is related to the demand for political participation. The problems of education are compounded by poverty, bilingualism, malnutrition, and an inefficient, ineffective educational system. In "Early or Nursery Education," M. Victoria Peralta Espinoza offers a range of teaching strategies and suggests that the realization that nursery school education is a complex activity permits a more effective response to needs. Comparative models of types of nursery curricula are included, along with a questionnaire of an evaluation project. Johanna Philp discusses evaluation in "Evaluation of Educational Projects in Latin America," using as a case study the "Fe y Alegria" ("Faith and Happiness") Integral Popular Education Movement. E. M. Houston in "Learning Problems in Children 6-15 Years," found that special education services in the region are limited. Background information about mildly handicapped children and guidelines for screening and managing these children are offered, along with an evaluation of a school project, entitled "The Case of Fe and Alegria" (The Case of Faith and Happiness). (NL)