Instructional leaders must be proficient in their knowledge of effective instructional strategies in order foster an environment that uses what has been identified as "best-practice" for students with disabilities. This role is critical in rural school systems where principals take on more responsibility and the ability to employ highly qualified educators is often more difficult. The purpose of this multiple case study was to provide a detailed description of principals' understanding of effective instruction for students with disabilities in a rural mid-Atlantic school system. Results from three cases indicated that principals have a limited understanding of what effective instruction for students with disabilities encompasses and how to ensure its application.