Change Starts Here

Latest Episodes:

Innovation as a Human Endeavor Dec 17, 2024

Show notes

We’ve all heard the buzzword innovation—it’s a term that’s making waves in businesses and education alike. But it often leaves us with more questions than answers: What does innovation really mean? Does it always involve technology? Does it have to be a completely new idea? If you’ve been pondering these questions, you’re in the right place.

In this episode of Change Starts Here, host Dustin Odham sits down with George Couros, author of The Innovator’s Mindset, to explore the true essence of innovation. Together, they dive into George’s unique educational journey, with a nod to Billy Madison along the way. George shares his perspective on what innovation looks like in education and how educators and students alike can break free from traditional norms to foster continuous growth and creativity. With chatting about basketball, passionate stories of districts, and laughter throughout you won’t want to miss this episode.

Don’t forget to like, and turn on those bell notifications to ensure you don’t miss our next episode.

If you want to learn more about FranklinCovey, visit us at https://www.franklincovey.com/solutions/education/

Host: Dustin Odham, Managing Director at FranklinCovey Education

Guest: George Couros, Author

Time stamps:

(00:00 - 02:45) Introduction

(02:46 - 09:25) George’s Education Journey

(09:26 - 14:19) Learner Driven, Evidence Informed Practice

(14:20 - 25:51) Innovation in Education

(25:52 - 30:40) Relationships Build Innovation

(30:41 - 38:45) Creating a Safe Space for Challenges

(38:46 - 43:54) Building Long-Term Vision

(43:55 - 50:05) Immediate vs Consistent Change

(50:06 - 54:44) Looking at Risk

(54:45 - 01:03:49) Innovation Inside the Box

(01:03:50 - 01:14:57) What Does Success Look Like to You?

(01:14:58 - 01:27:10) Rapid Fire Questions!

(01:27:11 - 01:30:50) Closing

Research Conversation: Developing Staff Efficacy Dec 10, 2024

Show notes

Sports are full of inspiring stories where belief propels struggling teams to national championships. But this kind of belief isn’t confined to the court or field—it’s just as transformative in education. When teachers and staff unite around a shared belief that they can make a difference, they create a winning culture that drives meaningful change.

In this episode of Change Starts Here: Research Conversations, Dr. Jennifer Chevalier, Director of Funding at FranklinCovey Education, and Kim Yaris, M.Ed., Associate Director of Research at FranklinCovey Education, explore the critical concept of staff efficacy. They break down what staff efficacy means, how it shows up in everyday classroom practices, and why it’s a game-changer for school districts. The discussion dives into the benefits of cultivating staff efficacy, the challenges leaders face, and how building a culture of ownership and belief empowers educators and students alike.

Don’t miss this insightful conversation—it’s a must-listen for anyone looking to create a thriving environment for learning and growth in their district.

Don’t forget to like and subscribe, and turn on those bell notifications so you don’t miss our next episode!

Tool for reflecting and evaluating what’s working for efficacy: https://resources.franklincovey.com/c/lim_csh_staffbooster?x=o9jVc2

Episode Citations:

Protheroe, N. (2008). Teacher efficacy: What is it and does it matter? National Association of Elementary School Principals. https://www.naesp.org/sites/default/files/resources/1/Pdfs/Teacher_Efficacy_What_is_it_and_Does_it_Matter.pdf

Li, S. (2023). The effect of teacher self-efficacy, teacher resilience, and emotion regulation on teacher burnout: a mediation model. Frontiers in Psychology (14). https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1185079

Hipp, K. (1996). Teacher Efficacy: Influence of Principal Leadership Behavior. Paper Presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association, New York. https://www.scirp.org/reference/referencespapers?referenceid=1174222

Starring: Kim Yaris, M.Ed, Associate Director of Research at FranklinCovey Education

Dr. Jennifer Chevalier, Director of Funding at FranklinCovey Education

Time stamps:

(00:00 - 00:28) Introduction

(00:29 - 02:37) Defining Staff Efficacy

(02:38 - 06:24) Real-Life Examples

(06:25 - 10:24) Why Does It Matter?

(10:25 - 17:15) Barriers to Developing Efficacy

(17:16 - 21:00) The Role of Leadership

(21:01 - 21:47) Starts with the Individual

(21:48 - 22:25) Closing

Looking Back to Step Forward Dec 04, 2024

Show notes

Finding time to reflect and envision the future can feel nearly impossible amidst life’s chaos. Our packed schedules and uncertainty about how to craft a meaningful vision often hold us back. But in today’s episode, we’re giving you both the space to reflect and the tools to shape your vision for 2025.

Join us on Change Starts Here as Dustin Odham shares his personal reflections on 2024, demonstrating how the process of looking back can uncover gratitude and a deeper appreciation for life. Whether this year brought your highest highs or deepest lows, every moment is a gift. Even in the hardest times, remember: you’re still in the middle of your story. The challenges you face are not just obstacles—they are the very things that make your story fuller, more profound, and more meaningful.

Be sure to like, subscribe, and turn on bell notifications to ensure you don’t miss our next episode.

If you want to learn more about FranklinCovey, visit us at https://www.franklincovey.com/solutions/education/

Host: Dustin Odham, Managing Director at FranklinCovey Education

Timestamps:

(00:00 - 00:56) Introduction

(00:57 - 03:51) The Highs and Lows

(03:52 - 04:58) A Time to Reflect

(04:59 - 06:04) Not the End of the Story

(06:05 - 08:50) Reflection Questions

(08:51 - 11:08) Developing Your Vision

(11:09 - 11:53) Life is a Gift

(11:54 - 12:36) Closing

Research Conversation: Vertically-Aligned Goal Setting Nov 19, 2024

Show notes

Aiming at a target is challenging if every element isn’t fully aligned. You can hold the bow steady, but if your elbow isn’t positioned right, you’ll miss the mark. This is similar to education today—many districts are striving to achieve top-level goals, but they’re missing the impact of vertically aligned goals that could elevate district-wide success.

In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Chevalier, Director of Funding at FranklinCovey Education, and Kim Yaris, M.Ed., Content Creator and Researcher at FranklinCovey Education, dive into the power of vertically aligned goal-setting. Kim and Jennifer unpack the meaning of vertical alignment and explain how it can transform your district’s approach to success. Jennifer even provides a step-by-step process for implementing this in your district, along with key insights to ensure a smooth journey. Don't miss this valuable discussion!

Access the Vertical Alignment Tool below!

Don’t forget to like and subscribe, and turn on those bell notifications so you don’t miss our next episode!

Starring: Kim Yaris, M.Ed, Associate Director of Research at FranklinCovey Education

Dr. Jennifer Chevalier, Director of Funding at FranklinCovey Education

Time stamps:

(00:00 - 00:16) Introduction

(00:17 - 02:50) Looking at the Research

(02:51 - 04:18) Vertically-Aligned Goal Setting

(04:19 - 09:08) Everyone Has Ownership

(09:09 - 10:28) Becoming Laser Focused

(10:29 - 16:31) Engaging All Stakeholders

(16:32 - 16:55) Closing

Whole Person Systems, New Results Nov 12, 2024

Show notes

When all lanes of a highway are open and free of construction, traffic flows smoothly, allowing travelers to reach their destination efficiently. But if one lane is closed or too much attention is focused on just one lane, traffic builds up, causing delays—or even accidents. The same holds true for whole-person education. Neglecting or hyper-focusing on any one area can cause bottlenecks in progress, just as it would on a busy road.

In this episode of Change Starts Here: Research Conversations, Dr. Jennifer Chevalier, Director of Funding at FranklinCovey Education, and Kim Yaris, M.Ed., Associate Director of Research at FranklinCovey Education, dive into the importance of whole-person education. They discuss the side effects of hyper-focusing and the benefits that come when districts prioritize the whole-person approach for students, faculty, and families. Dr. Chevalier and Kim also share personal stories of how this shift has impacted them and explore ways we can refocus on whole-person education. Don’t miss this insightful episode.

Don’t forget to like and subscribe, and turn on those bell notifications so you don’t miss our next episode!

Starring: Kim Yaris, M.Ed, Associate Director of Research at FranklinCovey Education

Dr. Jennifer Chevalier, Director of Funding at FranklinCovey Education

Time stamps:

(00:00 - 00:20) Introduction

(00:21 - 03:54) Whole Person Systems

(03:55 - 06:53) Sense of Belonging

(06:54 - 10:39) Distributed Leadership

(10:40 - 14:16) Responsive Relationships

(14:17 - 16:55) Time Shows Our Values

(16:56 - 18:45) Creating Coherent Levels

(18:46 - 19:40) Closing

Extending Trust: Transformative Practices for Effective School Leaders Nov 05, 2024

Show notes

Taking a close look at our schedules can reveal a lot about what we truly prioritize in our workday. You likely have time set aside for vision casting, meetings, or even lunch—but have you scheduled time to build relationships and extend trust within your team? Prioritizing this can strengthen your team and create a culture of trust within your community.

In this episode, host Dustin Odham dives into the final three behaviors of "The Speed of Trust." Whether it’s listening first, keeping commitments, or extending trust, these behaviors require time but ultimately enable your team to move faster and more effectively. Dustin is joined by Ashley Carranco, an Educational Coach & Consultant at FranklinCovey and a former educator. Ashley brings valuable insights from her experience, discussing how these trust-building behaviors benefit leaders and school districts alike. She shares practical advice on scheduling, accountability, and her top tips for improving trust. Don’t miss this impactful episode

Be sure to like, subscribe, and turn on bell notifications to ensure you don’t miss our next episode.

Download the episode resource to learn more about the 13 Trust Behaviors

https://resources.franklincovey.com/c/behavior_htrust_lead?x=q82nhA

If you want to learn more about FranklinCovey, visit us at https://www.franklincovey.com/solutions/education/

Host: Dustin Odham, Managing Director at FranklinCovey Education

Guest: Ashley Carranco, Educational Coach & Consultant at FranklinCovey, Former Educator

Timestamps:

(00:00 - 00:27) Introduction

(00:28 - 02:53) Listen First

(02:54 - 04:36) Keeping Commitments

(04:37 - 06:12) Extend Trust

(06:13 - 07:51) Build and Maintain Trust

(07:52 - 09:17) Ashley Carranco

(09:18 - 13:12) Prioritizing Listening

(13:13 - 15:51) Transforming Relationships

(15:52 - 18:11) Stop Taking All the Monkeys

(18:12 - 21:19) Schedule Time for Commitments

(21:20 - 24:27) Trust and Accountability

(24:28 - 26:06) Key Takeaway

(26:07 - 26:44) Closing

Increasing Competence to Achieve Greater Results Oct 30, 2024

Show notes

Every project or plan requires time to complete, and it's often up to leaders to assess whether that time is being used effectively. Are we actively moving the project forward, or investing time now to ensure future projects run more efficiently? In education, building trust is one such "project" that benefits from this type of focus and intentional use of time.

In this episode, host Dustin Odham dives into the critical role of competence in building trust. He breaks down the five key trust behaviors that not only foster competence in our work but also help to establish and grow trust simultaneously. Joining Dustin is Desiree Cocroft, a Coach & Consultant at Franklin Covey, who brings her on-the-ground insights from working with districts to strengthen trust. Desiree discusses the common challenges—like time constraints and the consistent effort required—yet shows how small steps and strategic internal partnerships can help trust thrive within a district.

Be sure to like, subscribe, and turn on bell notifications to ensure you don’t miss our next episode.

If you want to learn more about FranklinCovey, visit us at https://www.franklincovey.com/solutions/education/

Host: Dustin Odham, Managing Director at FranklinCovey Education

Guest: Desiree Cocroft, Coach & Consultant at Franklin Covey

Timestamps:

(00:00 - 00:53) Introduction

(00:54 - 01:40) Looking at Capabilities

(01:41 - 02:40) Deliver Results

(02:41 - 04:05) Get Better

(04:06 - 05:08) Confronting Reality

(05:09 - 06:20) Clarify Expectations

(06:21 - 07:58) Practice Accountability

(07:59 - 09:08) Meet Desiree Cocroft

(09:09 - 11:13) A Mindset of Continuous Improvement

(11:14 - 12:36) Safety in Vulnerability

(12:37 - 16:44) Focusing on Growth

(16:45 - 18:54) Take Baby Steps

(18:55 - 21:27) Strategic Pairs

(21:28 - 24:29) Worth the Time

(24:30 - 25:28) 5 Minutes a Day

(25:29 - 25:43) Closing

Leveraging the Power of Perspective Oct 21, 2024

Show notes

As kids, we all tried peeking through a keyhole, hoping to glimpse the world beyond the door. We could see a small part of it, but everything outside that narrow view remained a mystery. In education, we often take the same approach—viewing our students and colleagues through a limited perspective. But what if we opened the aperture and looked at things from a broader angle?

In this live episode of Change Starts Here: Research Conversations, Dr. Jennifer Chevalier, Director of Funding at FranklinCovey Education, and Kim Yaris, M.Ed., Content Creator and Researcher at FranklinCovey Education, help widen that keyhole. They offer strategies for shifting perspectives, addressing the challenges teachers face today, and exploring how these issues might be rooted in deferred pain. With the tools from this episode, you'll gain a "maximizing paradigm" to better understand your students and create a more positive environment at your school. Don't miss this insightful episode!

Reflect on your paradigms using the free resource linked below:

https://resources.franklincovey.com/c/paradigm_reflection_process?x=FdfSq5

Don’t forget to like and subscribe, and turn on those bell notifications so you don’t miss our next episode!

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

Dr. Jennifer Chevalier, Director of Funding at FranklinCovey Education

Time stamps:

(00:00 - 00:59) Introduction

(01:00 - 04:15) Magnitude of Challenges

(04:16 - 07:48) Treating the Wrong Problem

(07:49 - 09:09) A Tale of Two Paradigms

(09:10 - 11:23) See, Do, Get Cycle

(11:24 - 17:34) Paradigms in Student Behavior

(17:35 - 22:36) Misaligned Focus on Grades

(22:37 - 25:48) Creating Positive, Lasting Change

(25:49 - 29:25) Q&A

(29:26 - 29:59) Closing

Intentional Leadership: Creating Supportive Environments for Students & Educators Oct 15, 2024

Show notes

Unleash the genius within every individual—sometimes all it takes is the right guidance and environment. When people’s unique talents are recognized and nurtured, it creates a thriving community where growth and success are shared. Today on the Change Starts Here podcast, we highlight a district committed to making this vision a reality in their schools.

Join our host, Dustin Odham, as he welcomes Dr. Aaron Allen, Superintendent of Lincoln County Schools. Dr. Allen reveals his unconventional journey into education, a field he never anticipated becoming his passion. He discusses how Lincoln County Schools, in partnership with FranklinCovey, are fostering a culture of leadership and learning designed to unlock the potential of both students and educators. Dr. Allen not only shares the actionable steps his district is taking but also delves into the heart and passion required for educators to be effective leaders in today's dynamic educational landscape. Tune in for an inspiring conversation with a leader deeply invested in creating transformative change!

Don’t forget to like, and turn on those bell notifications to ensure you don’t miss our next episode.

If you want to learn more about FranklinCovey, visit us at https://www.franklincovey.com/solutions/education/

Host: Dustin Odham, Managing Director at FranklinCovey Education

Guest: Dr. Aaron Allen, Superintendent of Lincoln County Schools

Time stamps:

(00:00 - 01:42) Introduction

(01:43 - 03:12) Get to Know Dr. Aaron Allen

(03:13 - 06:18) Pathway to Education

(06:19 - 08:51) Portrait of a Graduate

(08:52 - 12:23) Leadership is Agnostic

(12:24 - 16:36) The Crockpot Approach

(16:37 - 22:51) Teacher and Student Choice and Voice

(22:52 - 27:02) Everyone Has Value

(27:03 - 32:17) Investing in Educators

(32:18 - 37:43) Abundant Mindset

(37:44 - 42:37) It’s a Heart Thing

(42:38 - 49:45) Trust and Accountability

(49:46 - 57:59) Rapid Fire Questions!

(58:00 - 59:06) Closing

Systematize High Expectations for All Learners Oct 08, 2024

Show notes

In some of our favorite movies, we love watching underdogs guided by a wise mentor who helps them rise to the challenge. These mentors all share one key trait—they believe their mentees can go further than they ever imagined and hold them to high standards throughout their journey. In the same way, setting high expectations in the classroom can unlock students' potential, helping them achieve more than they ever thought possible.

In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Chevalier, Director of Funding at FranklinCovey Education, and Kim Yaris, M.Ed., Content Creator and Researcher at FranklinCovey Education, explore how high expectations can transform learning. They start by sharing personal stories of teachers who pushed them to reach new heights, showing the power of belief and encouragement. Next, they define what high expectations look like in practice, discuss the common challenges teachers face in setting these goals, and offer practical strategies to overcome those barriers. This episode is packed with valuable insights that will help your students grow and succeed in ways they never expected.

https://resources.franklincovey.com/c/systematize_high_expectations?x=OPvTUi

Don’t forget to like and subscribe, and turn on those bell notifications so you don’t miss our next episode!

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

Dr. Jennifer Chevalier, Director of Funding at FranklinCovey Education

Time stamps:

(00:00 - 00:35) Introduction

(00:36 - 07:20) Stories of Empowerment

(07:21 - 10:14) High Expectations

(10:15 - 13:52) Barriers We Hit

(13:53 - 16:50) Language Matching Beliefs

(16:51 - 18:46) Perpetuating Biases

(18:47 - 20:06) Overcoming Barriers