The network documents professional development school models and practices, works on policy issues, sets guidelines for establishing the partnerships, and publishes the PDS Network News newsletter. Several Michigan districts work with a group of about 40 Michigan State University College of Education faculty to develop professional development schools. Faculty and staff at both levels work to identify best practices, provide clinical experiences, and determine what organizational changes will better support professional development schools. Each semester, between six to eight student teachers take a school-based seminar, study pedagogy, and work with mentor teaches. School faculty serve as mentors to the interns, teaching, pre-practicum courses at the university and in the seminar.
University faculty teach classes to mentors and act as resources.
The collaborative now works with six public schools and two teacher preparation programs. The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards targets experienced teachers for certification. Teachers are knowledgeable about the content and pedagogy of their subject areas For each certification area, committees of teachers, academics, and experts develop standards for subject areas and developmental levels. Certificates in the remaining 28 areas will be available over the next five years. Certificates are good for seven to ten years and are renewable.