At some level, principals always have been instructional leaders--but never before has their role been more prominent. First, the accountability movement--No Child Left Behind (NCLB) in particular--thrust principals into the spotlight on academic achievement. Then budget cuts peeled away capacity at both the district and school levels, thinning the ranks of assistant superintendents, curriculum specialists and assistant principals, who shouldered some or most of the load. Traditionally, principals have been more engaged in management functions, like making sure every student has a desk, the buses are on time, and cafeterias are supervised, says Dan Domenech, executive director of the American Association of School Administrators. But now, he adds, if a school does not make adequate yearly progress under NCLB, the principal is held responsible. In addition to greater accountability, principals have been thrust into the instructional leadership role due to budget cuts.