ABSTRACT
Novice principals often believe that they can devote much of their time to preferred responsibilities-that is, to assignments they enjoy and feel confident doing. In the case of Principal Carter, her intentions and ability with respect to instructional supervision are admirable. Her assumptions about her position, however, are unrealistic. Few superintendents allow principals to self-determine what they will and will not do. Rather, novice principals are commonly expected to learn on the job to augment the knowledge and skills they initially bring to the position.
