A sampling of reaction from local high school principals indicated a general approval of the recent report, "The American High School Today," by James B. Conant, President-emeritus.

Conant's report, based on visits to 55 schools in the nation, called for more distribution and better choice of courses, recommended a stiffer academic pace in schools, and defined the ideal size of a "comprehensive school" as one with 500 to 600 students.

A representation of local educators' opinion of Conant's criticisms and proposals was expressed by Francis T. McCabe, Headmaster of Rindge Technical High School in Cambridge, who said yesterday that he was sure most educators would praise the report. "It aims quite clearly at school boards and parents," stated McCabe. "Only they might find fault."

The headmaster agreed that the academic pace should be stepped up, but felt that "Conant inferred that parents should see that assigned homework is done, not that teachers should assign more."

Conant's claim that "comprehensive schools" should replace technical or specialized schools applies only to non-urban areas, according to McCabe. "In the city there are enough students for technical schools like Rindge, and there is a need for specialization within comprehensive schools."

The recently published study advised students to concentrate on one foreign language for four years, rather than several languages for a shorter period. McCabe "agreed 100 per cent" with Conant's language study recommendations.

The Boston School Committee has indicated its complete support of the Conant study, a member of the group said yesterday.