School discipline disparities for African American students in urban schools continue to be a topic of contention. While research has rightfully called into question the practices and preparation of teachers and principals, the role that assistant principals serve as disciplinary gatekeepers has gone relatively unnoticed in the literature. The…

In the context of high-stakes accountability, education-related policy efforts have aimed to address the improvement of persistently low-achieving (PLA) schools via turnaround reform strategies. Such strategies provide opportunities for educational leaders to influence the process; however, limited research examining the role of the assistant…

Reports on four pilot studies which investigate the vice principalship role in high schools and its relationship to school organizational context. Examines school environmental factors as well as the alliance-building and maintenance activities of vice principals. (Author/ML)

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)

This study assesses perceptions of 36 principals and 72 assistant principals regarding each other's professional roles and thinking. Analysis of responses indicates that both groups agreed on perceptions of actual and ideal time distribution. Differences appear in perceptions of each other's ideal assistant principal role. (JB)