This document is a report of the commission appointed to study the over-all role of the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE), to appraise its current condition, and to recommend its future direction. The first chapter, "Context of Crisis and Tension," outlines the problems and issues facing teacher education institutions and the results of the local scene of crucial forces in the larger cultural setting. Chapter 2, "Defining a Role," lists specific actions recommended to the Association in its central responsibility for improving teacher education programs. Chapter 3, "Parts of the Whole," outlines major areas of program responsibility designed to permit the Association to organize itself for the most effective use of its resources. Major areas are communication, research and development, accreditation, professional development of faculty members, international education, long range planning and evaluation, and influence on decision making affecting teacher education. Chapter 4, "Machinery for Achieving Goals," contains recommendations designed to create and maintain structural arrangements and relationships that clearly delineate responsibilities and power in order that resources of the Association can be wisely used in achieving its purposes. Major headings are membership, institutional representation, board of directors, executive committee, staff, committees and commissions, and state associations. (JS)