The article which begins on this page is the fourth in a series of significant studies in teacher education published in the Journal of Teacher Education since March, 1950, under the general title, "Commission Studies in Teacher Education." It is a condensation of Dr. Stout's dissertation submitted to the University of Minnesota in June of this year. The study was jointly sponsored by the American Associa tion of Colleges for Teacher Education and the National Commission on Teacher Educa tion and Professional Standards. Since joining the Kansas State Teachers Association staff in 1953 Dr. Stout, as Director of Field Programs, has handled educational planning and research. Most of her time is devoted to college relations, selective recruitment, and improved certification and prepara tion standards. Her record of professional service includes the following: chairman. NCTEPS, 1955 (member, 1949-55); president, KSTA, 1947; member, North Central Association Liberal Arts Study Committee, 1950, 1951; member, AACTE Committee on Studies, 1952-57; member, Kansas Advisory Council on Teacher Education, 1947-present; chairman, Kansas Commission on Teacher Education and Professional Standards, 1949- 53 ; and first vice-president, National Education Association, 1957-58. This record of service has ably qualified her for the preparation of this important study which is national in scope. Parts I and II of the study appear in this issue; parts III and IV will be published in the December, 1957, issue of the Journal.—THE EDITORS.