Introduction to Executive Functions and Literacy

Estimated Time: 2 hours

  • Explore the Building Blocks for Learning Framework as a way to think holistically and developmentally about students’ skills

  • Define executive functions (EF)

  • Explain research on the role of EF in literacy development

  • Reflect on how EF shows up in reading and writing instruction with your students

For Executive Functions, Context Matters

Estimated Time: 2 hours

  • Explain the research on how students’ internal context (stress, emotions) affect their executive functions, and therefore literacy

  • Explain the research on how students’ external context (environments, relationships) affect their executive functions, and therefore literacy

  • Describe best practices for creating a classroom context that supports students’ EF

  • Apply knowledge of best practices to enhance literacy instruction and individualize student supports

Skill–Building for Executive Functions

Estimated Time: 2 hours

  • Explore the research on the brain’s malleability, and its implications for skill-building

  • Explain the research on effective EF skill-building

  • Describe best practices for supporting students’ EF skills within reading and writing instruction

  • Describe how neurodivergent students and struggling readers bring assets to their literacy development

  • Apply evidence-based best practices to enhance literacy instruction and individualize student supports