This dissertation examines the perceptions of Texas principals regarding how adequately they felt their preparation program trained them for the principalship. Across the U.S., variations in curricula and preparation exist in principal preparation programs. Varied preparation result in leaders who are not prepared to face the demanding challenges of the principalship. This quantitative study used the perceptions of principals who have gone through these preparation programs to analyze this problem. This study found a lack of variation in preparation and an overall high level of perceptions of adequate preparation in all eight NELP Standards. Preparation programs should continue in their current methods of aligning their curricula to best practices and following national standards. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]