This book examines the role of the principal in schools with school-based decision making. It discusses the changes underway in American society that affect the schools and the work of principals. This text is intended to help prepare individuals to act effectively to meet the challenges facing principals which are: finding effective ways to educate an increasingly diverse student population, responding to demands for increased accountability for student learning, and working to implement sound school based decision-making practices. This book is written to improve the understanding of issues future principals will face and need to prepare themselves to become principals.