This national study was conducted to determine the problems of the elementary school principal; the types of assistance available to principals from the U.S. Office of Education, State departments of education, colleges and universities, State elementary school principal associations, and regional educational laboratories; and the relevance of college and university preparatory programs. Part of the study, a review of the literature on the elementary school principalship, undertaken to determine any concurrence with principals' perceptions of their problems, is contained in a separate document (EA 002 939). The study employed a questionnaire and an interview guide. The primary source of information was a sample of elementary principals from the 50 States selected to achieve balance in both a regional classification and a six-step, rural-urban classification. Problems identified were organized into six categories: (1) school and society, (2) pupil personnel, (3) instructional program, (4) administrative leadership, (5) organizational texture, and (6) finances and facilities. The principals were also asked to suggest anticipated problems for the next 10 years. Conclusions and recommendations are provided on the elementary school principalship and its future. (DE)