Presents an Outcomes Statement that describes the common knowledge, skills, and attitudes sought by first-year composition programs in American postsecondary education. Determines if there was sufficient commonality among programs and courses for a common program to be defined. Attempts to articulate this program as a way of understanding what…

Examines the theoretical and pragmatic objections to first-year composition courses raised by recent abolitionists who are composition insiders. Assesses four frequently proposed alternative models of first-year composition. Discusses evaluating these alternatives from the perspective of a writing program administrator's dual roles of curriculum…

Proposes a model for writing program administrators to use to assess the effectiveness of composition programs. Argues the need to consider local conditions, evaluate the internal coherence of programs, and consider the external relevance of programs. Describes how using this model led the Writing Center at Northern Arizona University to make…