About NSRF

Welcome to the National School Reform Faculty (NSRF) a professional development initiative that focuses on developing collegial relationships, encouraging reflective practice, and rethinking leadership in restructuring schools -- all in support of increased student achievement.

At the heart of NSRF’s program are the concepts of Facilitative Leadership and Critical Friendship. We have learned that Critical Friendship, an essential ingredient for learning communities, is best achieved through providing deliberate time and structures to promote adult growth that is directly linked to student learning. Facilitative Leadership skills are needed to engage school communities in this practice, and are valuable for all leaders—school leaders, classroom teachers and district administrators. One common example of this work is a Critical Friends Group, or CFG. This site is designed to give you information about Critical Friendship and Facilitative Leadership, keep you updated on News from the National Center and Upcoming Events, connect you nationally to NSRF Centers of Activity, and make resources available to you.