National School Reform Faculty

History

The National School Reform Faculty (NSRF) began in 1995 and was initially funded by the Annenberg Institute of School Reform at Brown University. NSRF developed a specific type of learning community, Critical Friends Groups (CFGs), and protocols, their associated tools, for educators to improve their practice to impact student learning. The rapid growth of this work was due to a highly committed and skilled national network of educators.

In 2000, after AISR funding was over, the Co-Directors moved NSRF's National Center to the Harmony Education Center. The National Center is a steward of NSRF's collective vision, a national advocate for the organization's mission, a conduit for communication, a guide for research and development efforts, and a repository for materials and resources.

Since then, NSRF's national network of educators has worked to deepen and sustain the impact of CFGs on student learning, teacher practice, and school culture. In addition to its existing relationships, NSRF has explored new partnerships with school districts across the country, as well as with national and regional educational organizations and, through the efforts of its National Facilitators.