Welcome Andrew Allen to our Special Education Department and Tylar Sewell - Science teacher for online students.  We are very happy to have you on the Venture team.

The Power of Small Moves

As we settle into the rhythm of the new school year, it’s worth remembering that instructional excellence isn’t always about grand reinventions. Often, it’s the small, intentional moves we make that ripple out the furthest.

Wendy Ward Hoffer emphasizes in Phenomenal Teaching that when we design classrooms around thinking, discourse, and inquiry, we aren’t just teaching content — we’re equipping students to become curious, capable learners for life. Every time we ask a better question, press a student to explain their thinking, or pause to let them puzzle through an idea, we’re reinforcing habits that matter far beyond the walls of our classrooms.

The 1% Mindset

Dr. Hocker talks about the value of improving by just 1% in some area of our practice. Alone, a 1% change may feel too small to notice. But as those small improvements compound — day after day, week after week — the effect is transformative.

This week, I encourage you to notice your “1% moves”:

• Asking one more follow-up question when a student responds.

• Giving ten more seconds of wait time before calling on someone.

• Shifting a worksheet into a discussion prompt.

None of these alone will transform a lesson — but collectively, they create the culture of thinking and learning we want for Venture.

Moving Forward Together: “Collective teacher efficacy is the number one factor influencing student achievement.”— John Hattie

We don’t have to do it all at once. If each of us commits to just 1% more intentionality toward deeper learning and richer discourse, our collective impact grows exponentially. As John Hattie reminds us:

“Collective teacher efficacy is the collective belief of teachers in their ability to positively affect students. It is more than three times as powerful and predictive of student achievement than socioeconomic status, and it is the number one factor influencing student achievement.”

Thank you for the creativity, persistence, and heart you bring every day. The work isn’t easy, but the difference you make is immeasurable.

What’s one 1% move you’ll try this week?

Week of September 8
Bus Duty:  Wilson and Penske
Monday:  
Tuesday: 
Wednesday:  
Thursday: 
Friday: Non work day

Week of September 15 
Bus Duty:  Gonzalez and Mazhan
Monday:  
Tuesday: 
Wednesday:  
Thursday: 
Friday: Non work day

Week of September 22 
Bus Duty:  Nettles and Vaughan
Monday:  
Tuesday: 
Wednesday:  
Thursday: 
Friday: Certified Staff Collaboration Day

Week of September 29
Bus Duty:  Blank and Knight
Monday:  
Tuesday: 
Wednesday:  
Thursday: 
Friday: Cross District collaboration- certified staff