Global society is polarized between the modern capitalist sector and the marginal sector, which is composed of indigenous, poor, and ethnic, tribal people. The problems of education for groups in Latin America, key issues in planning to meet their needs, and strategies to resolve them, are the focus of this publication. Nine papers provide a general analysis of the quality and efficiency of current educational programs, socio-economic conditions, and political influences affecting educational planning. The goals of this United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization conference project are to assure education before 1999 for all children of school age, to offer a minimum of general education of eight to ten years, to eliminate illiteracy before the year 2000, and to upgrade the quality and efficiency of the educational systems through needed reforms. The document is divided into three parts that include: (1) some suggestive theoretical pointers and a series of critical analyses; (2) a synthesis of past education programs for indigenous people; and (3) indicators for future planning. Crucial unresolved issues discussed include assimilation, integration, bilingual education, cultural pluralism, and decolonization. Charts are included that note the locations and populations of various tribes of the indigenous people in this region. (NL)