While the importance of effective principals is undisputed, few studies have addressed what specific skills principals need to promote school success. This study draws on unique data combining survey responses from principals, assistant principals, teachers and parents with rich administrative data to identify which principal skills matter most…

In this article I provide a meso-level account of the interactional-institutional link by revisiting Goffman's analysis of deference and demeanor in light of Bourdieu's discussion of institutional fields, cultural capital, and symbolic power. To acquire deference, one must exhibit the appropriate demeanor towards others, and one must be equipped…

The purpose of the study was to describe the organizational socialization of assistant principals and consider how that socialization prepares them for becoming principals. Using a case study research design and social systems theory as the theoretical framework, 8 assistant principals in 2 different high schools were interviewed (as were their…

The roles and attitudes of public school administrators change as their schools become involved in the Accelerated School project. Traditional definitions of a principal's role--setting goals, leadership, decision making, improvement of teaching and learning, instructional management, staff supervisor, and home-school-community relations--are…

This keynote address examines the role of the deputy principal and the stress cycle in an educational climate of uncertainty and rapid social and educational change. A profile of the "average" deputy principal is offered, and the term stress is defined. Methods of researching stress are examined. Factors that contribute to stress in school…

In this talk, a principal and assistant principal take turns relating personal day-to-day experiences as partners in a management team in a way that shows why they favor shared leadership with assignment of responsibilities based on strengths and needs rather than on tradition. Besides relating anecdotes, the authors question the effectiveness of…

Because of the difficulty of current and emerging school problems, the assistant principal needs to be knowledgeable in such diverse areas as accounting, school finance, school law, student rights, book censorship, and women's equity. In addition, it is necessary that the assistant principal be involved in curriculum improvement, evaluations,…

This report presents data on 1976-77 salaries paid to school principals and assistant principals in order to aid school officials in comparing salaries in their district with salaries in other districts of comparable enrollment size and per-pupil expenditure level. Data for the report were gathered through a survey of 1,060 public school districts…

This report presents data on 1976-77 salary schedules for school principals and assistant principals in order to aid school officials in comparing the salary schedules in their district with salary schedules in other districts of comparable enrollment size and per-pupil expenditure level. Data for the report were gathered through a survey of 1,060…

This publication presents a model employment contract intended to assist school administrators in developing or modifying appropriate contract language to protect the status of school principals and assistant principals. Although the model was developed specifically for secondary school administrators, it would be equally appropriate for…

Results of a workshop for assistant principals demonstrate that communication skills can be enhanced through active participation in a relatively short-term training program. (Author/MLF)

Describes a computer program developed by an assistant principal in Maryland that tracks and analyzes student discipline referrals. It has been helpful in developing an action plan that has reduced referrals to the assistant principal's office. Includes two figures. (MD)

This study of 2,300 secondary school administrators in the U.S. Office of Education (District VI) suggests that assistant principals are more powerless and have a higher level of alienation than do principals. Moreover, promotion to principal is no longer ensured, as assistant principals are routinely assigned to student discipline and other…

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)