The purpose of the study was to describe the organizational socialization of assistant principals and consider how that socialization prepares them for becoming principals. Using a case study research design and social systems theory as the theoretical framework, 8 assistant principals in 2 different high schools were interviewed (as were their principals) and observed as they went about their work. The assistant principals were socialized in the position by what they lived as assistants, what they learned by the example of their principals and other assistants, and what was and was not reinforced in their practice. They learned to do school as it is currently being done and to see how it is currently being done as the way that it should be done. What they learned prepared them ill to lead schools in new ways when and if they became principals.
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