This study was designed to examine the relationship and predictability of selected principal demographic factors and academic factors on overall school accountability ratings. Specifically, the effect of principals' age, gender and years of experience and TAKS reading and TAKS mathematics score on overall accountability ratings. The population for this study consisted of approximately 200 elementary school principals, who were randomly selected from 10 of the 20 educational regions within the State of Texas. By utilizing this broad range of schools and regions, the researcher was able to obtain valuable, reliable information. There were three variables of the study, associated primarily with the principals. They were age, gender, and years of experience. In addition, there were two variables associated with the academic factors, TAKS reading and TAKS mathematics. These variables were used to formulate the hypotheses in this study. A multiple regression was the preferred statistical technique for the data analysis. The 0.05 level of significance was used. Each of the hypotheses tested for significance resulted in a significant finding. There was a statistically significant relationship between the demographic factors and academic factors of principals' age, gender, years of experience, and students' TAKS reading, mathematics scores and overall school accountability rating. Based on the findings and conclusions, the researcher presented the following recommendations. A follow-up study should be conducted, once the new accountability ratings have been placed in effect, with relation to the STAAR. Such a study would provide additional data on the influences of various academic and demographic characteristics. In addition, school districts should try to retain the principals that they have. According to the findings of the study, a principal's years of experience has the greatest predictive power with regard to overall school accountability ratings. [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://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]