This study of rural-teacher preparation in State normal schools is made for several purposes: (1) To make available as nearly as could be learned by the means at hand the actual facts of the situation in 1917 as a point of departure for later studies of this significant evolution in educational effort; (2) To afford a source to which boards of control, presidents, and faculties of normal schools may turn for constructive suggestions already tried out in use and others advanced by workers now at the task; (3) To enable leaders engaged in the work under discouraging circumstances to feel the total impact of effort at the solution of their problems and take heart; and (4) To evaluate, in illustrations of vitality and results, the various ways in which State normal schools are now participating in the great national problem of preparing teachers for rural school. Throughout the study source material is used when obtainable. Previous studies of the subject have been read and ideas and facts have been summarized and incorporated in this manuscript as far as duplication was not involved. Data brought to hand by questionnaire have been correlated and either narrated or tabulated. Typical illustrations of curricula and administrative procedure have been secured from annual catalogues and in statements made ready for use by the participants whose work is described. And personal observation made in nearly all the States together with constant individual correspondence have been made means of discovery and verification. Appended are: (1) Institutional illustrations in full; (2) Supplementary suggestions; (3) Close contract with rural life; (4) Community center organizations; and (5) Cooperating teachers of rural education. (Contains 2 footnotes.) [Best copy available has been provided.]