Long considered an under-appreciated and under-utilized position, the role of the assistant principal is finally getting the attention and respect it deserves. In this truly indispensable companion, current and prospective administrators will gain concrete suggestions and solutions to maximize their impact, effectiveness, and satisfaction in this critical position. Uncovering major obstacles assistant principals have faced in trying to meet their personal and professional goals, this handbook uses this perspective as a backdrop for change based on democracy, caring, and respect. In this perceptive exploration into the assistant principal's duties, the reader will discover how to: hone leadership skills--especially related to curriculum, supervision, evaluation, and discipline; stimulate an atmosphere of learning and achievement; make the assistant principalship more than just a principal-in-training position; develop relationships with peers and teachers based on respect; and share responsibilities with teachers as a way to build trust and collegiality. Insightful chapters are packed with straightforward ways to avoid administrative frustration yet cultivate instructional support, and the reflective exercises, real-life scenarios, and vignettes drive home key points. Eight sections comprise this handbook: (1) Past and Present Challenges to Assistant Principals as Instructional Leaders; (2) Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Dispositions; (3) Clinical Supervision; (4) Instructional Improvement; (5) Curriculum; (6) Program Development and Evaluation; (7) Why Didn't They Teach Me This Stuff in Graduate School?; and (8) Do I Want to Remain an Assistant Principal? The book also contains: a preface; a list of references; an index; an annotated bibliography; and a list of Web resources for assistant principals.