Abstract
Executive functioning skills, including the ability to control impulses, make and execute plans, and remain focused, are foundational to student success. However, students are not born with the innate ability to employ executive functions; they are taught and strengthened through practice and practical experiences (Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, 2011). While executive functioning research has sparked the interest of parents and educators alike, there is still a lack of direct and explicit skills training to support optimal executive functioning development. Additionally, current research emphasizes the importance of early intervention in executive functioning for short- and long-term academic success (McCoy et al., 2019).
The purpose of this parent training is to educate parents on executive functioning and equip them with resources to implement with their students. By participating in this training, parents will obtain the knowledge, tools, and confidence to help their students thrive academically and in various domains of life. “The Building Blocks of Success: A Parent’s Guide to Executive Functioning” includes a literature review on the current research on executive functioning, connections to student success, and interventions to address common executive functioning challenges. This project serves as a practical resource for parents to promote the development of executive functioning skills across home and school settings.