What's an assistant principal of instruction?

Question

A friend's dad is the API at the school I'm going to next year so I was wondering what he does.

Answer 1

Principals of instruction are primarily responsible for the curriculum and the management of teachers/faculty. They determine what is taught and by whom. They make the hiring and firing decisions with regards to teachers and staff. They also are responsible for the selection of textbooks and all things that are directly related to teaching and instruction.

They are also the persons who hear grievances or complaints about teachers and the curriculum. If you are having a problem with a particular teacher, this is the person that you speak with. If you want to appeal a grade, then this is the person that you speak with.

Hope that helps.

Answer 2

General Summary:
This position serves under the direction of the principal and provides assistance with the school instructional program, building administration, personnel/staffing, pupil services and school/community relations. The assistant principal has shared responsibilities with the principaland serves as the principal in his/her absence. The assistant principal may assumeresponsibilities from within the principal’s job description as directed and supervised by the principal.

Some of the functions of the API's office and responsibilities are as follows:
Assist in selection, assignment, supervision, and evaluation of certified staff.
Orientation of new teachers.
Administrator for all state mandated testing such as the Prairie State Achievement Exam (PSAE) and Illinois Measure of Annual Growth in English (IMAGE)
Assign and supervise student teachers.
Approve all certified staff professional absences.
Responsible for state loaned textbooks.
Assist with needs assessment.
Coordinate articulation with junior high schools.
Curriculum development, implementation, and revision.
In-service and summer curriculum projects.
Enrollment handbook.
Approve all field trips.
Organize open house, parent/teacher conferences, and eighth grade parent night.
Establish program of public relations.
Handle the administration of the Advanced Placement (AP) program.
Process travel allowances and travel budget.
Other duties as assigned.

Answer 3

The answer given above sounds like a general answer for an assistant principal. Since your friend's title includes the term "instruction", I imagine his duties are focused on working with teachers, setting curriculum, and other duties directly related to classroom learning. I doubt that he is involved with building and grounds or public relations, but it's possible.