Professional development schools (PDSs) are typical schools working in partnership with institutions of higher education. They have distinct characteristics. They are learning environments that support the training of preservice teachers, the professional development of PDS and university faculty and are committed to improving student achievement. PDS partners are guided by a common vision of teaching and learning which is based on research and best practice. PDS partners share responsibility for professionals and students. Members of the partnership blend their expertise and resources to meet shared goals. PDS partners hold themselves accountable and are accountable to the public for maintaining high standards for PreK-12 students, preservice teachers, PDS and university faculty, and other support personnel. In order to accomplish their goals, PDS partners create new roles, responsibilities and structures and utilize their resources differently. Finally, PDS partnerships are committed to providing professional development for PDS and university faculty to meet the needs of diverse student populations.

Professional development school partners work together over time, building relationships and commitment to their shared goals. They develop new strategies, roles and relationships to support their work. Together, they move to institutionalize their partnership so that it is supported and becomes a part of the expectations of their institutions. At the most advanced stages of development, PDS partnerships contribute to policies and practices at the district, state, and national levels.