Staff development for middle-grades educators has become increasingly important as theory, research, practice, and policy have converged to produce information and recommendations to revise and improve middle-grades education. This report includes a review of the major purposes of staff development, data on teacher reactions to staff development experiences, a summary of the key components of effective inservice programs, and a dicussion of recent policy recommendations. The report offers a five-point rationale for a policy regarding staff development. (1) An on-going and career-long program should be available to all personnel working with middle-grade students. (2) Staff development content should relate to the specific characteristics and needs of students as well as teaching conditions. (3) The sturucture of staff development is critical to its success. (4) Evaluation and staff development should be linked. (5) A separate certification should be required for professionals working in the middle level grades. Three tables and 43 references are included. (LMI)