The report examines special education personnel preparation programs initiated under federal law. The evolution of the federal role in personnel preparation is reviewed beginning with the National Defense Education Act in 1958. Four federal initiatives are analyzed in detail: The Fellowship/Traineeship Program, the Program Assistance Grants, the Dean's Grants Projects, and the Regular Education Inservice Grants. Programs are addressed in terms of the stimuli for development, implementation data, and impact evaluations. Issues are raised, including the nature of reciprocal arrangements between institutions of higher education and the federal programs. It is concluded that the broad intent of the original legislation, establishment of a system to prepare personnel to educate the handicapped, has been met. (CL)