This book presents the results of a study of the factors contributing to a lack of academic success for Hispanic-American students. About 500 professionals and parents from 19 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, and Ecuador answered a 400-item questionnaire that explored cultural and contextual traits and suggestions of how educators should take these traits into account when working with Hispanic students and their parents. Results provide teachers, counselors, and psychologists with an educationally relevant description of the Hispanic culture in the United States and aspects of the lives of Hispanic-American students. Part 1 documents many Hispanics' lack of educational achievement and its causes. Part 2 describes the study and its results, with references to instruction, assessment, and parent attitudes and participation. Part 3 contains conclusions and recommendations for educational improvement. A bibliography, grouped roughly by subject, contains 315 references. (SLD)