School-based inservice programs are the best way to achieve staff development and keep up with changing educational needs. Effective staff development programs should be comprehensive enough to meet the needs of all school staff. Good programs also help foster collegiality among staff, increase participation and communication, involve parents, and utilize administrative leadership. For principals, working on a district needs-assessment committee or applying for a district grant can facilitate school-based staff development. The first step to establish an inservice program is forming a needs assessment committee. Principals must be actively involved in planning, but should avoid dominating the process. Communication with staff can be maintained through an Administrative Advisory Committee. The length of inservice programs should be governed by the topic. Several methods can be used for delivering inservice programs: informational, demonstration, resource support groups, staff development resource centers, summer staff development opportunities, travel, teacher visitations, and parent workshops. In choosing a site for inservice programs, the length of training, cost, access to resources, and teachers' desire to get away from the workplace should be considered. Lastly, inservice programs should utilize resources in the school, and community. Sources for additional guides to planning inservice programs are included. (Contains 19 references.) (JPT)