The inservice programs in this publication demonstrate varied approaches to staff development. The programs range from districtwide efforts with a particular topic, such as thinking skills, to the creation of teacher centers and highly individualized growth plans such as a voucher system. The programs demonstrate a commitment by the district to improve teaching and learning. This commitment is embodied in the inservice topics which were addressed: effective teaching, learning styles, mastery learning, and teacher expectation and student achievement are among the topics profiled. In each instance, these topics exemplify how change and professional growth can be encouraged and promoted by local initiative. In addition, two programs are concerned with mentoring--the process of guiding new teachers into successful teaching. Each of the programs highlighted in this publication are seen as manifesting good staff development practices which assure that improvement occurs. (JD)