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, extracurricular activities, goal setting, and competency testing. Although problems of attendance and discipline are important, the assistant principal must be careful to delegate responsibilities in these areas, when possible, and not become bogged down in paper work. The assistant principal must have a clear picture of his or her duties or responsibilities set down in a comprehensive up-to-date job description. Survival of the assistant principal depends on attitude toward the job, including clear personal goals and initiative. Assistant principals ought to become familiar with literature on the management team, reduction in force, and student activities. A monthly meeting of area assistant principals might be useful. Although problems of discipline, attendance, violence, and vandalism are important phases of the assistant principal's job, they should not overshadow other phases of administration. (JM)