The status of speech instruction--including an assessment of teacher concerns--in the public secondary schools in Hamilton County, Ohio, was determined by this study. Specifically, the purposes were to determine the extent and kinds of speech and drama instruction, to examine facilities and resources, and to determine instructional methods and materials (including testing and evaluation). Data gathering consisted of questionnaires to principals and teachers, observation of classes or plays, and interviews with teachers in schools which were offering courses at the time of the observations. On the basis of study findings, the following conclusions were made: (1) the number of students receiving speech instruction corresponded to the lower level of the national average; (2) the inadequacy of facilities, equipment, materials, and funds in some schools handicapped some teachers seriously; (3) for the most part, teachers chose activities which were consistent with goals outlined by speech educators; (4) disinterested and irresponsible students often made attainment of objectives difficult; and (5) the inequitable distribution of course loads and extracurricular duties presented obstacles to some teachers, particularly inexperienced ones. (TO)