This collection chronicles the development of the field of special education through the writings of Samuel A. Kirk and comments by contributing scholars in the introductions to each section. The selections of Kirk's work evidence his contributions to the many domains of special education. The testimony and comments by contributing scholars place Dr. Kirk's work in its historical context. The volume begins with a preface by James J. Gallagher, an introduction by William C. Healey, and autobiographical remarks by Samuel A. Kirk. Part II, "Early Childhood Special Education," includes an introduction by Merle B. Karnes followed by "Preschool and Early Education Programs for Handicapped Children" and "The Effects of Early Intervention." Part III, "Mental Retardation," offers an introduction by Herbert Goldstein and two papers: "Research in Education: Mental Retardation" and "Special Education in the 1970s." A section on learning disabilities is introduced by James C. Chalfant and then provides four papers: "From Labels to Action,""Learning Disabilities,""Our Current Headaches in Learning Disabilities," and "Issues in Learning Disabilities.""Remedial Reading" begins with an introduction by Janet W. Lerner followed by "The Organization of Remedial Reading in the Schools,""Characteristics of Slow Learners and Needed Adjustments in Reading," and "How Johnny Learns To Read" (co-authored by Winifred D. Kirk). A section on hearing impairments is introduced by Donald F. Moores followed by four papers: "Behavior Problem Tendencies in Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Children,""A Comparative Study of the Ontario and Nebraska Tests for the Deaf" (co-authored by June Perry), "Special Education and Rehabilitation," and "The Federal Program for Training Teachers of the Deaf." Part VII deals with the Illinois Test of Psycholinguistic Abilities and is introduced by Jeanne McRae McCarthy, followed by "Illinois Test of Psycholinguistic Abilities: Its Origin and Implications,""Uses and Abuses of the ITPA" (co-authored by Winifred D. Kirk), and "Profiles of Children with Severe Oral Language Disorders" (with Anthony H. Luick as the first author, and others). Edwin W. Martin then introduces a section on Congressional and governmental affairs, including the following papers: "Administration of Education Programs for Handicapped Children,""Education and Training of the Handicapped," and "Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1966." The final section on social issues includes an introduction by James J. Gallagher and "Education as National Defense,""Education and the National Welfare,""Youth Challenges Gerontocracy," and "The Federal Role in Special Education: Historical Perspectives." A bibliography lists books, journal articles, conference papers, and book chapters by Kirk, in chronological order from 1932 to 1993. (JDD)