A review of the historical components of American Indian education (including missions, institutional histories, and tribal histories) was followed by an effort to identify in the literature specific problem areas accounting for the apparent failure of formal education systems imposed on Indians. Specific causal relationships for this failure were investigated: (1) the measurement of the intelligence of Indians; (2) the impact of teachers and parents on the educational environment; (3) the effects of cultural deprivation; (4) cultural and language barriers; (5) the school environment; and (6) the Indian's self-concept. The study was completed by a review of information on the Indian college student. An extensive bibliography is included. (JM)