Executive Functioning Skills for College and Beyond

Introduction

• Special session with Julie Miller on executive functioning skills.
• Importance of executive functioning skills for academic and life success.
• Mention of Julie's company, Executive Functioning Success.

Background

• Julie Miller: Former educator, retired to focus on executive functioning full-time.
• Her interest started due to her son's ADD and experience with Mary D’s book "50 Tips".
• Mary D’car: Founder, time-blind educator, developed executive function curriculum.

Importance of Executive Functioning Skills

• Better predictor of academic success than IQ (John Medina).
• Harvard’s research supporting the importance of executive function.

Understanding the Brain

• Focuses on the prefrontal cortex where executive function skills are located.
• Skills include:
  • Metacognition: Self-awareness and problem identification.
  • Goal-directed persistence: Finishing tasks.
  • Flexibility: Adapting to changes.
  • Sustained attention: Focusing on appropriate tasks.
  • Response inhibition: Delaying gratification.
  • Working memory: Retaining and using information.
  • Planning and prioritization: Organizing tasks.
  • Time management: Understanding and managing time.
  • Organization: Keeping things orderly.
  • Task initiation: Starting tasks without prompts.
  • Emotional control: Managing emotions effectively.

Executive Function Skills in Real Life

• Applying to college requires multiple executive function skills.
• Skills needed to succeed in first-term college:
  • Time management, task initiation, working memory, metacognition.
  • Handling multiple assignments and deadlines.

Factors Affecting Executive Function Skills

• Brain development is not complete until mid-20s.
• Stress, increased demands, and mental health issues can affect skills.
• Importance of recognizing the impact of environmental factors.
• ADHD brains develop executive functions slower than neurotypical brains.

Tools for Supporting Executive Function

1. Time Tools
   • Importance of analog clocks and timers.
   • Use of dry erase boards for task visibility.
2. Timers
   • Not for racing against time but for awareness and progress monitoring.
   • Helps with transitions, motivation, and time management.
3. Planners
   • Utilizing planners for future thinking and managing life tasks.
   • Emphasis on engaging students with planners to reduce anxiety.

Conclusion

• Executive function skills are crucial for success in school and beyond.
• Tools and strategies can support brain development and skill enhancement.
• Julie offers resources, curriculum, and training for improving executive functioning skills.

Resources

• Executive Functioning Success website for tools and curriculum.
• "50 Tips" book by Mary D’car for additional guidance.

Contact Information

• Julie's email and website for further inquiries and resources.