The Alaska School Effectiveness Project produced several reports in a series of reviews of research literature on such topics as the principal as instructional leader. Using an ERIC search and conventional library methods, the question raised was "Does active instructional leadership on the part of elementary school principals have a positive effect on the academic achievement of students?" Of the 27 documents reviewed, only 7 were reports of valid, relevant studies. Although the conclusions must be regarded as tentative because of the small number of studies, it does appear that when principals assume an active instructional leadership role, student achievement is enhanced. The fact that several of the supportive studies focused on disadvantaged students lends additional weight to this conclusion. It also appears that the positive effect is both direct (when principals observe and participate in instructional activities with students) and indirect (when teachers work closely with principals to develop instructional plans that are clear, shared, and supported). Because research on this topic is sparse, educational administrators and policy makers should approach this matter with caution. The document includes the item decision display, the 27 citation bibliography, and individual item reports on the citations. (BRR)