This paper describes various kinds of inservice teacher education sponsored by the Maryland State Department of Education and explores the factors influencing impact on participants in terms of use of knowledge or skills presented. Data were collected by observation, interviews, and questionnaires. A cross-case synthesis of 10 individual case studies is presented. Each of the 10 inservice events was observed and comprehensive process notes were recorded. A summary of the 10 case studies describes planning and preparation, event activities, participant evaluation, intended use of ideas acquired at the event, and actual use. A description of the scope and activities of the events includes data on the audience, length of time of activities, workshop sites, presentation methods, participant evaluation, and intended use of ideas. Interviews conducted about six months after each event provide information on local activities resulting from the state-sponsored inservice, actions taken, reasons for action or inaction, satisfaction as to the usefulness of the events, and individual and organizational impact of the event. A list of 18 conclusions is presented with recommendations for coordinators of state-sponsored inservice. (JD)