Author: Morag Cronkite Title: Aspiring Principal Role: Building admin/coordinator Location: North Kingstown, RI Date: 10-16-02 Participation in a Critical Friends Group changed my views on professional development. As a newly trained "coach" last year, I returned to my school with the skills needed to support the professional learning community in my school. I was given the tools for my colleagues and I to examine student work, participate in text-based seminars, and to engage in peer observations. As educators the CFG empowered us to grow professionally and to focus on improving student achievement through collaborative inquiry. Participation in an ongoing CFG helps me to develop the trust and openess needed to internalize the learning that occurs and to continuously improve my practice.

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