This report, the first of a series of papers on educational issues and problems, discusses the special problems of the Hispanic population in New Jersey schools. It describes the joint efforts of the Department of Education, the Commissioner of Education, community groups, and schools to find ways to resolve the problems facing the Spanish-speaking. It recommends bilingual education as one of the best means for the Hispanic population to have equal opportunity in the schools of the state. Included is a list of skills which a successful "barrio" teacher must possess in addition to being well-trained in academic subjects. (SK)