In recent years, education has been rapidly expanding and evolving, with one of the most significant shifts being the focus on the whole child. Schools recognize their vital role in shaping a child’s academic future and their social and economic development as they grow. Today, we’re joined by a guest who is actively engaging with the community to cultivate these essential skills throughout their schools.

In this episode, hosts Kim Yaris, M.Ed., and Dr. Jennifer Chevalier welcome Dr. Amy Dittmar, Assistant Superintendent of Ankeny Community School District. Dr. Dittmar shares insights on how her district is moving beyond the traditional curriculum, designing courses—and reshaping existing ones—around the skills that the community and workforce are specifically seeking. She dives into how this shift impacts students, teachers, and overall engagement within Ankeny schools. Don’t miss this behind-the-scenes look at how these innovations are making a difference in education.

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To take advantage of the tool to help your school’s vision, click on this link: https://resources.franklincovey.com/c/systemic-synergy-visioning-tool?x=iVcL7y

Starring: Kim Yaris, M.Ed, Content Creator/Researcher at FranklinCovey Education

Dr. Jennifer Chevalier, Director of Funding at FranklinCovey Education

Dr. Amy Dittmar, Assistant Superintendent, Ankeny Community School District

Time stamps:

(00:00 - 00:23) Introduction

(00:24 - 02:03) Success After School

(02:04 - 03:45) Competing Priorities

(03:46 - 05:46) Teaching Necessary Skills

(05:47 - 09:21) Outcomes for Students

(09:22 - 11:45) Teacher Adoption

(11:46 - 14:26) Integrating Not Stacking

(14:27 - 19:11) Vision for the Future

(19:12 - 20:30) Closing