Need for Services to Exceptional Children

Both the speech of Samuel M. Brownell, Commissioner of Education, and the Creed for Exceptional Children which follows were presented at a conference on Qualification and Preparation of Teachers of Exceptional Children held in the last week of October 1954 in the Office of Education. Eighty leaders from 25 states who represented various fields of specialization attended the conference. Here in a meeting of particular significance, data collected through inquiry forms and committee work for this study in the past three years were presented for review, interpretation and suggestions. The conference afforded a further means of exploring the competencies required by teachers and other special education personnel. Conference materials concerned all areas of exceptionality—the physically handicapped, mentally limited, intellectually gifted, and those with serious emotional problems. Romaine P. Mackie, director of the study and chief, exceptional children and youth. Office of Education, announced that some study publications are now available and others will be released within the next few months. Titles now available are: State Certification Requirements for Teachers of Exceptional Children, and College and University Programs for the Preparation of Teachers of Exceptional Children, both available from the Superintendent of Documents.