This report summarizes the major issues and recommendations which emerged from the 6 3-day institutes. The institutes aimed to: examine the current status of doctoral level programs in mental retardation; examine the philosophical basis, objectives and practices desirable for designing future doctoral programs; determine the personnel desired in the field; recommend what kinds of training and experience are necessary to produce such persons; and involve participants in planning strategies that would lead to changes within their own institutions' training programs. Each of the institutes focused on 1 or more aspects of doctoral level training in mental retardation, emphasizing teacher education, research, or administration. The report discusses the required competencies of students completing academic programs in the field and the substance of the programs themselves. (JS)