A Critical Friends Group community represents the basic unit of support for educators engaged in improving school culture and increasing student achievement. Each CFG community generally includes six to twelve peers who commit to meeting at least once monthly for two hours, to collaborate with the aim of increasing student achievement through improving their practice.
Not just for classroom teachers, Critical Friends Group communities can also be composed of administrators, or of non-teaching staff. While some CFG meetings are formed around a specific grade level, subject matter, or long-term focus, it has been our experience that the most successful Critical Friends Group communities have diverse membership. Very different vantage points often provide previously unconsidered perspectives.