EXECUTIVE FUNCTION SKILLS - WHY THEY MATTER

When students take the SAT or ACT to test for ATYP eligibility, we are checking to see if they have the cognitive ability to do the work required. In other words, can they handle the intellectual level of the work we are asking them to do? These test results answer this question for us.

What these test results can’t tell us is this: are the student’s executive function skills where they need to be in order to sustain and support the effort this very fast-paced and sometimes independent learning environment requires?

What is executive function? This term covers skills such as:

• Impulse/emotional control
•  Working memory
• Planning and prioritizing
• Time management
• Organization
• Task initiation
• Task persistence
• Sustained attention
• Metacognition
• Shifting focus

Chances are, even though a student’s brain can do 10^th grade math or 12^th grade English, they still have the executive function of a typical 7^th or 8^th grader. Which is fine when you’re doing 7^th or 8^th grade work but may require an upgrade to get a handle on ATYP.

If you think this is an area where you can improve, we will be discussing these skills more in upcoming blog posts, and Dr. Kelly is adding tips to her weekly email. So don’t panic, just like playing soccer or the flute, this is an area where you can practice and grow your abilities!

Tip #1: If you are really struggling, ask for help! Knowing when to persist on your own and when you need a hand is an important first step. Many people (including adults!) are embarrassed when they feel like they can’t get things together. They think everyone but them knows how to be organized/on time/doesn’t procrastinate, etc., so they ignore their problems instead of trying to find a solution. This could sound like any number of people you know, but the reality is, lots of people can’t figure out how to do these things. So reach out! We will try to help!

Until next time,

Ms. Nan