In this article, the authors explore contexts that have shaped the federal program for personnel preparation in special education. A brief review is provided of the historical, political, and policy considerations that influenced the directions, implementation, and impacts of the federal personnel preparation program funding at particular points in time. Issues and questions are posed for those who seek to understand the impact of the program, and recommendations are provided for how answers to those questions might be used to improve the program and enhance its impact. (Contains 1 table, 1 figure and 2 notes.)