Guidelines are presented for staff developers in preparing the content and planning for delivery of presentations. The basic planning techniques that are described are based upon learning theory and regard for the audience. (JD)

Research on staff development in rural and non-rural settings provides guidelines for effective practice. Research on rural staff development, however, must be increased and become more systematic and focused. (JD)

Methods staff developers used to improve the reading program at a Greenwich, Connecticut, elementary school are discussed. The entire staff of the school was involved in developing the new reading program, which focused on increasing teachers' expectations of student learning, use of diagnostic teaching, and other techniques. (PP)

Extensive practice and research in program evaluation have led to this eight-step process that a professional developer can use to determine a program's effectiveness and strengthen the program as it evolves. An unbiased, systematic process of evaluation can help justify putting resources into professional learning and make it easier to determine…