Measurements of self worth show that children in segregated schools, both white and black, have unrealistically high aspirations. Mexican-Americans measure lower than other major ethnic groups in feelings of self worth. There is evidence from social investigations, however, that segregation produces feelings of "imposed inferiority" among minority group children. If integration is seen as an opportunity to build a pluralistic society representative of all cultural groups that come together, there is no question that ethnic identity and self worth will be better served after desegregation occurs. The experiences of school districts that have achieved racial balance show that the first step toward equal educational opportunity is total desegregation, not only racial and ethnic but also socioeconomic. Minority children must be taught the basic skills needed to become educated: integration must begin at the beginning. There is no question that minority children can benefit when racial isolation is eliminated. The concern is how to make it occur. (Author/JM)