Research Says... the Latest Insights on the AP Role

A recent research study shows an increase in the number of AP positions and great variability among their responsibilities. Check out the key insights.

• Increased number of assistant/associate principals—the study offers three hypotheses for the increase. 1) The increasing number and scope of responsibilities of the principal have become too much for any one person; 2) Principals are experiencing significant burn out, and APs can help reduce turnover by taking on some of the load; and 3) “The school environment is more complex and schools need more adults and leaders to manage it.”
• Benefits to assistant/associates interested in transitioning to the lead principal role include coaching teachers to be more effective, having opportunities to work with highly effective principals, seeking out mentors and support, being open to learning, and engaging in a wide variety of leadership responsibilities both in and outside of school.
• Having been an AP in the same school in which you become a principal seems to have some effect. “Principals value the experience; they think it made them better principals. [Having APs] indicates a positive school culture, but the number of studies is still very small.”

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