Considers the position of the subject area supervisor. Reports on a survey of the characteristics of these positions as they are found in the school districts of Pennsylvania. Assesses the potential for the continuation of the positions in the districts surveyed. (HB)

Considers the national curricular practices in college English departments, specifically with regard to "service" courses. Provides excerpts of data from the Modern Language Association's national survey of 92 English departments. (HB)

The potential for creativity in the role of department chair is present, but, for too many chairs, creativity is an oxymoron and something to be preserved only in the ranks of the faculty. It would seem fitting to talk about the need for leadership and creativity in the educational setting. However, creativity seems to be overlooked in the…

Provides findings from a survey of English departments and the move from literature-based majors toward more majors in composition and rhetoric. Reveals substantial changes in English programs from 1987 through fall of 1992, confirming the growth of concentrations and course offerings in composition and rhetoric. (HB)

Presents brief case histories of the evolution and current status of two communication programs. Recommends 10 factors to consider in planning for the evolution and development of communication programs. (KEH)

Preliminary findings are reported from a survey conducted to determine the apparent absence of compensation for foreign language department chairs at some institutions. It is noted that, compared to the sciences or humanities, the typical foreign language program has greater and more complex tasks administratively and should, therefore, receive…

Argues for a change in research priorities and a focus on power relationships in the definition of problems. Presents a case study analyzing a failed attempt by a dean of a school of engineering to enlist communication consultants to improve teaching in a department of Computer Engineering. (SR)

Career counseling programs by members of college geography departments should stress the need for students to plan their futures. Career planning is a more sensible approach to employment than drastically altering current teaching programs to include the latest technical skills. California State University at Northridge is used as a case study.…

A study of the influence of academic discipline, sex and nationality on the definition of the role of the head of a university department indicates the importance of discipline, the coordinator or representative role, and the lack of influence of nationality on expectations. (JMF)

In this article, Black studies is described as both searching for and responding to meaning in the human experience through the Black experience. Based upon Thompson's distinction of ideational and operational roles in any healthy group, a model for administering Black studies programs at the university level is proposed. (GC)

The article reports on a national survey of state education agencies regarding the use and status of learning disability professionals in schools, and discusses the reasons for and implications of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (P.L. 94-142) not specifically mandating their presence on evaluation teams. (DLS)

Examines over 500 job rejection letters received by a single English professorial job candidate over a period of 9 years. Analyzes shortcomings and strengths. Offers suggestions for composing these letters. (HB)

Reports the results of a personally conducted survey on graduate programs in English that ranged from amusing to appalling. (JL)

Illustrates the web of relationships among state education agencies, regional educational service agencies (RESAs), state legislatures, state boards of education, and school districts through case studies of two RESA systems. Also compares the "active" and "quiet" approaches taken by the respective states and identifies policy…

When asked what activities contributed most to promotion to higher academic rank, faculty in a large midwestern medical school perceived research as the single most important activity. Department chairmen, however, included teaching, patient care, and administration/service as well. Clearly stated promotion criteria are recommended. (MSE)