Presents a brief outline of the characteristics of effective staff development programs and lists seven sources of help for school districts and staffs designing staff development programs. (JM)

Seven steps are outlined for a comprehensive school district needs assessment. To show how different approaches can be used, a variety of survey methods are suggested for needs assessment in the areas of parent participation, interpersonal relations, and staff development. (SJL)

Borrowing from Madeline Hunter, school districts should define staff development as school- or district-wide efforts to improve the quality of teacher decision-making. This article outlines a six-step process (including needs assessment, brainstorming, strategic plannning, communicating plans, coaching for effectiveness, and periodic monitoring)…

Today's instructional leader must possess skills in four critical areas: curriculum development, clinical supervision, staff development, and teacher evaluation. (Author/JM)

Noting the changing role of the principal toward instructional supervision, this article suggests several plans by which California schools and districts can put together staff development programs using resources from the state's school improvement legislation, AB 65. (SJL)

At midcareer, educators may face problems of stress, physical condition, and frustration. Some California school districts are helping their staff members through this period with programs for professional growth, physical fitness, leaves of absence, part-time teaching, social activities, or early retirement. (SJL)