This document, one of a series on planning an inservice teacher education program, provides a conceptual base for understanding and developing such programs. The document is divided into four sections. Section one suggests that there are six assumptions, constraints, and mandates that must be addressed at the local level in order to plan a consistent, comprehensive program. Section two explores nine elements that define the actual inservice plan itself. Section three provides a set of "scenarios" intended to provide concrete examples of effective programs that could be developed under the rubric of the planning process. Section four presents a review of some specific critical areas that need to be assessed in an evaluation of a local inservice plan. Appendices present related materials in the set of inservice planning guides and possible funding criteria for the inservice components of Teacher Corps projects which would be consistent with the "Planning Process for Inservice Education" series. (MJB)