This packet contains 24 articles reprinted from books and journals dealing with effective staff development in small and rural schools. The articles are arranged in four sections. The first section reviews current research on staff development, discussing workable ideas, decision making principles, and general characteristics of effective staff development program. The second section contains detailed reports on specific staff development programs and efforts at the district and school levels, including formal and informal approaches that were proven to be successful. The third section focuses on collaboration and partnership in staff development. "Networks,""partnership,""consortiums," and other types of collaboration across school districts and regions are discussed. Interactive television technology also is suggested as a shared resource for staff development. The final section lists additional guidebooks, research papers, and practical reports on staff development. (ALL)