Answers two questions regarding preparing English teachers for two-year colleges: whether a PhD is appropriate for teaching in a two-year college (yes and no); and what graduate departments can do to help their students find work (candidates for two-year college teaching jobs need teaching experience beyond traditional freshman composition…

Recounts the rapid rise and recent decline of the once highly regarded Duke University (North Carolina) English department, characterized by disaffection and defection to other institutions of a large proportion of the faculty, disorganized teaching, and an unsettled curriculum. The perceptions of a number of the faculty involved are presented.…

Discusses the most suitable organizational model for the university, considering its unique role and needs, and the challenges currently faced in a knowledge-oriented society. Suggests that the university's academic organization become more organic and adapt to the different organizational requirements of the two central university activities,…

Notes that the hopeful threads binding Herman Melville's book "The Confidence-Man" also weave a valuable lesson for literature PhDs considering their career options. Suggests that the values crucial to a teacher or scholar are also crucial to those who work outside the university: willingness to entertain other points of view and an…

In Scotland, one "value added" (VA) indicator of secondary school effectiveness measures students' relative "progress" between Standard and Higher grade in particular subjects. When random nonschool factors affecting students' geography performance were computer-simulated to determine VA fluctuation over 25 years, the…

Compares three models of agriculture in universities: (1) the current rigid departmentalized model; (2) the integrative university with cross-disciplinary linkages and information exchange with farmers; and (3) the active learning university with students and faculty integrated in the farming environment and two-way flow of knowledge and…

Discusses ways to help students see that the pleasures of the text that led them into the study of language and literature can also lead them to rewarding work contexts. Considers curricular issues and the ways small college English departments make decisions about what to cover and what to leave out in an expanding discipline. Appends advice on…

Presents a personal account of one individual's transition from graduate school at a research university to teaching at a small college. Describes her ideas about the hiring process. Discusses how she adjusted to her new career. Considers problems encountered and how she works through those problems. (SC)

Discusses experiences over 6 years as the chair of an all-inclusive modern language department in a large, comprehensive public university. One of the most pressing issues faced during the period has been how to respond to the enrollment-driven formulas forced by the university. (Author/VWL)

Discusses the subtle and not-so-subtle ways in which science department heads (HoDs) encourage optimal work from a traditional mix of teachers. (Author/WRM)

Describes how two reforms--portfolio culture and teacher professionalism--converge in a systemwide program for school leaders' professional development. Investigates use of portfolios to help (Australian) principals, deputy principals, and department heads improve their performance and accountability. Participants used portfolios as evidence of…

Urges that PhD-granting departments consider shrinking their graduate programs, thus reducing overproduction of PhDs and, by reducing the number of sections taught by graduate assistants, perhaps providing new tenure-track positions. Urges also that PhD-granting departments examine staffing practices in lower-level offerings and commit to engaging…

Gives detailed information needed to begin using a common database program such as "Access" or "Paradox" for scheduling college English courses. (PA)

Presents statistical data dealing with: number of positions listed, definite tenure-track assistant professor positions, number of doctorate recipients in English and Foreign Languages, institutions granting an average of 10 or more doctorates in English and American Literature annually. Presents tables with positions listed by field…

Discusses numerous solutions to enlarging the pool of interested and qualified undergraduate students of color, attracting and retaining graduate students of color and helping them in the job search, and increasing the numbers of faculty members of color. Notes that these include funding, mentoring, and coverage and validation of interdisciplinary…