Introduces special issue on the role of the assistant principal. Briefly reviews the contents of a series of articles which examines research on assistant principals, describes their experiences and major functions, and discusses their potential contributions to managing and improving instruction. (KH)

Argues that the role of the assistant principal may be dysfunctional as a training ground for secondary school principals because, as presently defined, it permits assistants to learn virtually nothing about management and improving instruction. Presents an outcome-based model for preparing the assistant for a principalship. (KH)

Presents a strategy for reconceptualizing the role of the high school assistant principal in order to: (1) make the job more professionally satisfying; (2) better prepare assistants for subsequent responsibilities as principals; and (3) develop a capacity for problem-solving activities, pursued cooperatively by teachers and administrators, to…

Assistant principals primarily police and control and prepare for a future principalship. Yet schools could benefit if the job also include instructional leadership, close teamwork with teachers and colleagues, and integration of community groups and parents into the school. Such changes would require shifts in the sociopolitical agenda for…

Recommends an organizational strategy for improving the effectiveness of secondary school assistant principals. Outlines skills needed by assistant principalship and provides selection and evaluation criteria. Describes an internship program to provide opportunities for individuals to pursue assistant principalships. (KH)

Using information obtained from the Educational Research Service, this report briefly summarizes in table form the current salary schedules for principals and assistant principals. Section 1 compares 1979-80 minimum and maximum salary schedule summaries by school district enrollment size. Section 2 makes the comparison by using a per pupil…

Proposes that the role of the secondary school assistant principal should be studied in terms of the dynamics of basic political conflicts in schools. When seen as a polity, the school site is full of disturbances that can potentially expand into conflicts; the assistant principals' typical function is to respond to these disturbances. (KH)

Analyzes the assistant principalship in terms of socialization, the enculturation process, and the actual work activity of assistant principals. Training and work of assistant principals should be restructured to avoid a trend toward development of a custodial, non-risk taking, noninstructional leader orientation. (PS)