In addition to expanded teacher roles, educators can draw on community resources. Many public schools have formed networks with local universities and college departments of education. These professional development schools offer a reciprocal exchange between teachers, student-teachers, and individuals who develop educational policies. All participants in professional development schools stand to gain from working together. Departments of Education, often criticized for emphasizing theory over practice, gain access to the insights of practicing educators.
Teachers use college campuses for workshops, seminars, and educational instruction.
The popularity of these professional development schools is likely to increase as policymakers implement standards and assessment tools for their performance. If these programs are to remain strong, they must find a way to assess their impact on student performance. Professional development efforts also require continued legislative support from policymakers. Whichever path a community takes to build a professional development program, funding the program remains a constant concern. The vast majority of local school districts cannot allocate additional funds to professional development programs.