Directed to teachers of the mentally retarded, the text emphasizes clinical teaching which is based on testing for and identifying each child's weaknesses and strengths, and then formulating an educational program. Aspects covered include the following: the status of professional awareness in the education of the mentally retarded, the nature of cognitive development, assessing individual differences, primary methodological concerns, and perceptual motor development as the foundation for subsequent learning. Also considered are developing areas of communication, instruction in reading and in arithmetic, developing personal and social skills, preparation for gainful employment, adult education for the mentally retarded and their parents, and elements of organization and administration. Several tables present information; references follow each chapter. (LE)