Assistant Principal Professional Growth and Development: A Matter that Cannot Be Left to Chance.

Abstract

With the advent of recent standards for educational leadership and the increasing complexity of a principal’s job, there is a dire need for assistant principals to participate in clearly defined and consistent professional development growth activities. This study examines professional development needs of assistant principals, including their perspectives toward such endeavors. This paper is intended to assist those planning and providing such programs in satisfying the needs of individuals as well as the larger educational enterprise. Using ISLLC and state standards as a guiding framework for professional development may provide useful input concerning the “what” of professional development for assistant principals. This in turn will hopefully increase assistant principals’ instructional leadership skills as well as instill in them the desire to become principals. Assistant principals are vital resources available to support principals in a host of ways. This support becomes more necessary as principals continue to be inundated with additional duties and responsibilities