Abstract
Based on the concept of “critical friend” it was developed a study with the following objectives: identify and characterize the importance attributed to the “critical friend” as a promoter of school improvement. The data were collected in three basic education schools involved in a self-assessment project, supported by an external advisor, using semi-structured interviews with managers and questionnaires to the self-assessment committees. The answers content analysis points to a recognition of the “critical friend” action, namely by bringing a critical view and questions that promote opportunities for reflection and by debating situations that support decision making for change. The study allows to conclude that the advisement developed in a “critical friend” way can strengthen self-assessment cultures to improve schools and opportunities to develop transformational learning communities.
Critical friend; External advisement; School self-assessment; Improvement; Transformational learning communities