Sets forth and elaborates on three ways in which an external review can always help an English department. Suggests three principles a chair might keep in mind in trying to fulfill departmental goals by means of an outside review. Examines how a chair and his or her department may facilitate an outside review. (TB)

Describes how the English Department at Loyola University of Chicago, adopted assessment measures beneficial to the department's program and acceptable to administrators, faculty, and students. (TB)

Discusses the challenge of answering governmental calls for assessment and the necessity of maintaining disciplinary integrity. Suggests that there are virtues and values worth considering in the development of assessment mechanisms for English departments. (TB)

Presents a report of the Association of Departments of English's (ADE) investigation of issues and procedures concerning assessment in English departments. Offers advice to educators, based on information from department chairs and colleagues. (TB)