In many schools, the assistant principal is poorly trained to assume administrative responsibilities. This paper presents an overview of research that has examined the assistant principal's role. It argues that assistant principals will be expected to take on the new roles of team management and public relations, necessitating their effective use of group communication and shared decision-making skills. Suggested strategies for improving assistant principals' skills include inservice education and leadership academies. One table is included. (Contains 19 references.) (LMI)