The objectives, programs, and procedures of the English department at Maine Township High School South in Park Ridge, Illinois, are set forth in this handbook. The 14 sections cover the following areas: the department philosophy; the community and the student body; the purposes and objectives of the district's educational program; departmental goals; placement of students in ninth grade English; ability grouping of ninth grade students; recommending ninth grade students for the semester elective program; the rationale for the semester elective program; the preregistration process for elective courses; evaluation of the English program; student evaluation, including the use of standardized tests and teacher evaluation, and an outline of the grading process; the departmental philosophy for student-prepared research papers; the procedure for curriculum change; and a listing of the department's course offerings, including electives. (FL)