Staff development is the small school district's key to survival in the 1980's. Although small rural districts may face problems like isolation and limited resources, they have distinct advantages. Chapter 1 of this guide provides a list of advantages, which include close contact between teachers and administrators, strong ties to the local community, and staff development goals that effectively meet community expectations and student and teacher needs. The second chapter defines staff development in terms of adult learning styles, describes a program that works, discusses getting started in the small/rural school district, and provides suggestions to assist in avoiding staff development pitfalls. Chapter 3 contains ideas that work, i.e., individualized staff development, programs from state departments, staff development via technology at work, peer teaching as a technique, cooperation among districts, and some national attention (National Diffusion Network exemplary projects). Additionally, the guide provides a list of resources, and selected readings. (AH)