Ventures participants use methods drawn from ethnographic research to study their own authentic school settings. Using this action research, they collect data related to student learning conditions in their schools. Their research prompts further questions and inquiry leading to actions which support student learning. Ventures is designed for CSLA senior associates who have demonstrated a long-term commitment to being leaders for transforming their schools. These are individuals who are serious change agents and in a position to influence significant action.
Participants make a three-year commitment.
The Ventures program has three phases. In Phase Two, participants begin implementing a transformation strategy based on the analysis of multiple sets of data. This strategy will support their efforts in meeting their identified focus based on the Ventures outcome and performance indicators. In phase three, participants present an exhibition of their achievement. To improve student learning through an awareness of the school's culture as a system that can be influenced with such powerful tools as symbolic action and symbolic language.