The handbook is intended to provide practical information regarding the building principal's role in the education of handicapped children in Alabama. The leadership role of building principals and their impact on successful special education programs are emphasized. The following aspects are examined (sample subtopics in parentheses): the…

Perceptions of the current and ideal functioning roles of the principal were compared using responses of 147 Alabama teachers. Differences between current and ideal roles were found for categories of counselor, evaluator, motivator, and supervisor. These results emphasize the varying perceptions teachers have of principals. (SLD)