The study investigated the number; experience; qualifications; other variables (age, salary, and employment levels); and attrition of special education professional personnel in Michigan. Among findings were that the peak employment of new teachers of mentally handicapped occurred in 1976-77, followed by a drop and leveling of employment in the succeeding 2 years; that over a period of 5 years, there was a permanent or temporary loss of about 50% of the 1973-74 personnel in several categories; and that all beginning teachers employed in 1978-79 for special education assignments had provisional teaching certificates. Tables with statistical data make up more than half of the document. (SBH)