Intended for use by those who have direct responsibility for providing leadership in the area of English, this monograph provides a process for improving the English curriculum in a way that is true to the intellectual and emotional needs of students while meeting society's expectations for a practical curriculum. The monograph begins with a retrospective examination of the teaching of English, follows with an analysis of present trends, and sets forth a process of incremental curriculum development. The remaining chapters provide a framework for a mastery curriculum that requires careful structuring. Topics discussed include (1) curriculum mapping, (2) building a content planning matrix, (3) evaluating and modifying the matrix, (4) developing the syncretic English curriculum, (5) providing for mandated competencies, (6) using research to improve the teaching of English, (7) developing the English notebook, (8) using separate objectives in integrated units, (9) building English mastery into interdisciplinary courses, (10) designing sound elective programs, and (11) writing mastery learning units. An epilogue contains a discussion of a curriculum of meaning. (HOD)