To justify the inclusion of speech as a separate subject field at the high school level, specific criteria are presented which can be used by accrediting associations, by speech professors and students in teacher preparation programs, and by teachers in the planning and evaluating of classroom programs in speech. Criteria include (1) 20 general and specific speech objectives for the secondary school student, (2) a definition of the 5 special characteristics of speech, (3) an analysis of the principles essential for effective speech--i.e., thinking, language, use of voice, action, listening, observing, and delivery, (4) the major divisions of speech communication--i.e., formal and informal speech, group discussion, parliamentary procedure, and oral reading, (5) detailed outlines of effective instructional procedures, materials, and activities, and (6) questions used as a basis for program evaluation. (JM)