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The article focuses on the new careers in adult education. To meet the rapidly growing need for qualified personnel to administer adult education programs the Institute of Adult Education at Teachers College, Columbia University, has developed training programs for such careers as adult education consultants in the United Nations and UNESCO; managers or administrators of training in industry, civil government and armed forces; directors and field representatives of university extension services; and directors and teachers of adult education in schools and community colleges. Candidates must meet requirements for admission to graduate study at Teachers College. The Institute also carries on surveys, research and short-term conferences and workshops for those leaders who are more interested in study of specialized problems than in long-term professional study leading toward a degree.

The article provides information about the 52nd Annual International Convention of the Council for Exceptional Children to be held in New York City on April 14-19, 1974. The responses received by the Advisory Committee have been distributed to the committees and are now in the final review and scheduling process. Detailed planning is required in the total convention week with time line commitments which make extensions impossible. A criteria is also established for accepting papers, including those which contribute to the teacher learner environment, those which speak to innovative teaching practices, research applicable to instructional programs, and presentations which deal with expanding educational options for exceptional children.

This paper deals with the phenomena of self-help groups of criminals. The group which the study centers around is called the Self Development Group (SDG). Since no effective method of treatment had been developed or implemented following the principle of total absence of professional staff, the SDG came into effect then as a formal organization. Structurally, SDG is similar to Alcoholics Anonymous and Synanon. It is a voluntary organization which recruits its members through personal contacts and educational programs conducted in various correctional institutions where groups have been set up. The official criteria for membership are simply a desire to stay out of prison and a willingness to help others do the same. Moreover, there are no dues collected from the members. All that is asked is that they make a meaningful contribution to the group in terms of attendance and discussion at meetings. Each group that meets in prison is limited to ten members. In respect to the age variable, the members are significantly younger than the general population. Moreover, the services which SDG offers to a man upon his release from prison are discussed so that he knows what to do and is assured that when he is released from prison he will have the same type of concern and help that he had while in prison plus the added assistance of a ride home and some money to help get a start in the community. The concept of a group of this type that can operate in the total institution with the kind of interaction which can interest and benefit convicts and also be viable in the community where the hardest adjustment problems are encountered is most encouraging and interesting in these times of deep concern for law and order. Certainly more time should be spent in the study of this phenomenon. Groups such as SDG should be sanctioned and encouraged if the research reveals that their efforts are indeed beneficial.

The article describes the nonmilitary program in science carried out under the aegis of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The Advanced Studies Institute Program has been the most successful of the NATO scientific programs and in some respects it is outstanding among the generally recognized international science programs. A number of institutions for the support of particular branches of applied science have been established within NATO. international collaborative projects in fields such as oceanography and meteorology and international collaborative projects in other fields are included in the programs.

Presents news notes and announcements involving the Rural Sociological Society. Description of new graduate programs in universities; Programs and projects; Meetings and workshops sponsored by the Society.

The article highlights the regional work conference of the National Association of State of Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) in Chicago, Salt Lake City, Atlanta, and New York City in April 1960. Scientists, education teachers, classroom teachers, and chief state school officers were invited to meet with the members of the association. The aim of these series of conference is to make recommendations for preparation programs for the teachers in secondary-school science and mathematics. The conferences were a part of a study conducted by NASDTEC with the cooperation of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. NASDTEC was encouraged by the AAAS to seek financial support to provide its members with assistance in carrying out responsibilities in teacher certification.

The article presents a directory of information resources and institutions on early childhood education in the U.S. The Neighborhood House Child Care Services provides education, nutrition, health service, social and psychological services and opportunities for parent involvement. The National Center for Educational Communication administers the Education Resources Information Center Clearinghouse on Early Childhood Education and is responsible for the development of young children. The National Program on Early Childhood Education contribute to the improvement of early childhood education practices. The Appalachia Educational Laboratory provides a home oriented preschool education program utilizing television, home visitations and mobile classroom instruction.

The article presents draft policy statements on education for the gifted proposed by the Policies Commission of the Council for Exceptional Children (PCCEC) in the U.S. Special education for the gifted should be an advantage to the individual and society. Special educators should support programs for the gifted. Special education should also provide continuing and appropriate educational experience from preschool into adult years. The PCCEC also proposed that research and development resources should develop new methodologies and curricula appropriate for the needs of the gifted.