As part of a symposium on issues related to diversity and American education reform in the context of Goal 3 of the National Education Goals, this paper addresses the diversity of Hispanic populations in the United States and implications for Goal 3. Seven factors to consider in program planning include the following: heterogeneity of the Hispanic populations and the diversity of needs; issues in the language of assessment; the role of the native language in content instruction; the nature of instruction and the quality of instructional personnel; the multicultural nature of the school environment; parental involvement and school-community relations; and the counseling/guidance function. It is suggested that native language testing, in spite of its effect on assessment problems, needs to be seriously considered, and native language instruction also deserves real attention. It is also noted that guidance counselors and other support personnel must ensure that Hispanics gain access to gifted and talented programs and that they familiarize students with suitable and productive postsecondary alternatives to a college education. (Contains 30 references.) (LB)