Costa Rican education, although fairly successful compared to other Third World or Latin American countries, has serious problems needing action, including (1) large discrepancies between educational ideals and the realities of urban privilege, with regard to access and quality, and (2) a rote, narrow, superficial, impractical education. Other problems include a lack of textbooks, support services, and well-trained teachers; inadequate coordination within education and between education and national needs and realities; the heavy politicization of education; the need for decentralization of educational management; a lack of educational research; heavy United States influence; and declining cost-effectiveness. This overview includes sections on the history of educational development, educational planning, school system structure and organization, educational access and quality, private education, national financing and costs of education, student costs, curriculum, special education, teacher training, United States influence, and problems. (DCS)