In a recent Ed Leadership Edge podcast episode, Laurel Black, director of educational therapy at the Research Institute for Learning and Development (ResearchILD) in Lexington, Massachusetts, shared valuable insights on executive function and its crucial role in student success. As a former special educator and administrator with 13 years of experience, Black brings a wealth of knowledge to the table, focusing on empowering students with self-understanding and executive function strategies.
Executive function, as Black explains, encompasses the brain processes that help us accomplish our goals. These goals can range from long-term aspirations to daily tasks like making friends or getting to bed on time. The development of executive function skills is a gradual process, with significant jumps occurring around age two and during adolescence, continuing to mature until around age 25.
Black’s work at ResearchILD, founded by Dr. Lynn Meltzer, involves translating neuroscience research into practical tools for teachers and students. The SMARTS curriculum, developed by Dr. Meltzer and her team, offers between 30 and 50 lessons that focus on building self-understanding and teaching strategies for various executive function skills. These lessons cover topics such as organizing time, setting goals, and purposeful highlighting, all designed to be engaging and applicable to real-world situations.
One of the key aspects of ResearchILD’s approach is the emphasis on metacognition – the idea of self-understanding. Black stresses the importance of students knowing their strengths and challenges, as well as understanding how to approach new or unfamiliar tasks. This foundation of self-awareness is crucial for developing effective executive function strategies.
The podcast also touched on the impact of technology on executive function. While constant task-switching due to smartphones and social media can be detrimental to deep, meaningful work, Black suggests that the real issue lies in our ability to engage in purposeful and identity-affirming activities. She emphasizes the need for balance and self-awareness in our use of technology.
ResearchILD offers various resources for educators, parents, and students. These include books, curricula for school districts, one-on-one services, and an annual executive function conference. Their approach is adaptable to different educational settings, from elementary to high school, and even for college students and adults with ADHD.
As education continues to evolve, the work of organizations like ResearchILD becomes increasingly important. By focusing on executive function skills, educators and parents can help students develop the tools they need to navigate academic challenges, social situations, and personal growth. This holistic approach to education, which considers both academic and social-emotional aspects of learning, aligns with current trends in education philanthropy that emphasize supporting the whole learner.
For those interested in learning more about executive function strategies and ResearchILD’s work, visit their website at researchild.org or explore their curriculum at smarts-ef.org