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Executive Function Charting the Path
Executive function (EF) skills support behaviors necessary for effective learning and play a critical role in academic success. As described by Russell Barkley, EF skills refer to the “self-directed actions needed to choose goals and to create, enact, and sustain actions toward those goals (2012, p.60).” Dawson and Guare (2010) highlight categories of executive skills, those that are required to think through goals and challenges and others that guide behaviors to help meet objectives. Executive skills develop over time, and sharpening these skills can enhance a student's ability to navigate the demands of school and contribute to long-term educational achievement.
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Executive Function and Writing
Writing is a multifaceted cognitive task that relies heavily on executive function skills. Research shows that high-level cognitive processes, such as planning, translating, reviewing, and revising, as well as lower-level processes, such as inhibitory control, all play a role in the writing process from initial goal setting, to collecting and organizing information, to drafting, revising, and editing (Berninger & Chanquoy, 2012). Executive skills in writing can be supported and strengthened with a carefully sequenced program that directly teaches students skills and strategies for organizing and enhancing their writing.
Learn more in the upcoming Expository Writing Instruction course about designing writing instruction that promotes executive skill development while giving students the tools they need to effectively communicate their ideas across content areas.
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Watch this short excerpt with Betsy M. Duffy, MSEd, director of language arts and instruction at The Windward School, about the importance of evidence-based strategies in writing instruction. | | |
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Executive Function and Study Skills
As students move through school, the demands of planning, organizing, and completing long-term assignments can heavily tax developing executive function skills. Students must learn to gather research, organize information, develop theses, and generate coherent outlines, drafts, and final copies. Additionally, students must learn to break down projects, create timelines for assignment completion, organize and prioritize materials, and self-monitor and evaluate progress (Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, n.d.).
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UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY FOR NON-WINDWARD STUDENTS GRADES 7 - 10 | |
Support and strengthen students’ executive function skills with a structured system for breaking down long-term assignments, conducting and organizing research, taking notes, and following specific steps in the writing process. | | |
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January 2024: Unpacking the Research and Writing Process: Essential Skills for Academic Success
The Windward Institute's winter 2024 in person workshop for students in grades 7-10 features The Windward School's Study Skills program.
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Watch this short video in which Tim Caccopola, coordinator of study skills at The Windward School, discusses the learning objectives and takeaways of the program.
Click below for more information and to register.
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Technology: Executive Function Friend or Foe?
While technology can sometimes be viewed as a distraction, leveraging technology thoughtfully and purposefully can provide valuable support for students with executive function challenges.
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Watch this free webinar delivered by Joan McGettigan, EdD, director of educational technology at The Windward School, to learn ways in which technology can be leveraged to enhance vital cognitive processes like
- planning,
- organization,
- time management,
- and goal setting.
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Discover how the right use of technology can empower student success. | | |
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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
New and Upcoming Virtual Offerings - Winter 2024
(Eastern Standard Time)
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Building Comprehension with Background and Content Knowledge
January 23, 4:30 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Math Task Analysis and Systematic Supports for Math Learners
January 29, 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Stress in School and Social Settings: Proactive Practices to Promote Well-Being and Performance
January 31, 4:30 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Advanced Decoding Strategies of Multisyllabic Words
February 6, 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
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READ Podcast: Research Education ADvocacy
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Amy Elleman, PhD, joins the READ Podcast to discuss the evidence supporting reading comprehension development and implications for effective instruction.
In this episode, Evidence-based Practices for Reading Comprehension, Dr. Elleman offers feasible and applicable insights for further learning and classroom implementation for any educator.
Access the full conversation, bookmarks, and free resources.
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The Windward Institute is a division of The Windward School
The Windward Institute's Mission:
To increase childhood literacy rates by disrupting the educational status quo
to save more lives
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