This resource booklet attempts to describe the new directions of the department head role. In a recent study by Kenneth Leithwood, "The Secondary School Department Head," 1987, department heads identified democratic decision-making, human relations, planning for program and staff development, and teacher supervision as functions crucial to the role but for which they felt ill-prepared. This resource booklet outlines a profile of effective growth in the role and a comprehensive role description. Practical suggestions for application and performance improvement are incorporated as well. An overview of Leithwood's "profile summary" is placed at the beginning to serve as a reference point. An outline for a system role description is then presented in a form that provides the department head with a list of specific responsibilities and expected practices. The rest of the booklet provides specific explanations and practical suggestions for implementing the various aspects of the role description. Emphasis is placed on the most significant changes in the department head role. (SI)