Lisa Marsicano, MAT Executive Function Skills Specialist and Coach Solutions for Student Success, LLC Downers Grove, IL

Lisa Marsicano, MAT Executive Function Skills Specialist and Coach Solutions for Student Success, LLC Downers Grove, IL lisa@efscoach.com www.efscoach.com

Executive functions are a complex set of neurological processes sustain effort towards a goal Interrelated Activation Focus Effort Emotion Memory Action Thomas Brown

Is it my role? Yes and no. Not enough hours in the day. Point person; trusted source Who should be involved? Student Parent (if relevant) Support staff at school? Outside referrals and resources (coach? evals?)

Help determine related factors Use tools Refer out Provide support directly Use tools BREAK IT DOWN; concrete, visual, written Back to basics organization, overwhelm, effective planning and time management, protocols Consider bigger picture and goals

Ideas for counselors Often you are the point person (1 st line) Social-emotional component Have you ever? Accountability check Encourage independence and allow to do on their own (even if they fail) Notes about parents Often involved at HS level and impact student Parent-child dynamics should be considered They often simply need a starting point or direction themselves

Tools and Strategies V.I.A. Character Strengths Survey or similar opens discussion EF Assessments/Surveys See subsequent slides for suggestions Roots of common EF-related motivational challenges

Grade ANALYSIS Solutions FOR STUDENT SUCCESS CLASS: goal grade %: current grade %: 1. REVIEW all scores/grades for EACH class. Anything to follow up on or ask about? unrecorded grade? missing work? retakes? 2. LOOK AT CATEGORY AVERAGES (HW, quizzes, tests, participation, etc.) and NOTE areas for improvement. 3. PLAN for improving above areas; BRAINSTORM solutions, and ADD to your Class Plans and Quiz and Test Plans.

How to use: What s the Protocol? story... * Use this for any scenario where a regular process, plan, or reminder would be of help. * Copy several and use to address issues such as procrastination, getting through homework, having trouble in a class, paying attention and more! Procrastinating/Getting started on homework Make a plan - lay out post-its or timeline with rewards Set up a work area, supplies, etc. Grab a snack and a water Create a go-to plan for when the situation arises. Start and try to stick to a plan Adjust times as I go if needed Don t forget to exercise first! Go for a jog! Add reminders to keep you on track. Change of environment can help! IF I get off track, THEN I can write a new plan! 77 Copyright 2011 by Solutions for Student Success, LLC

STRESS MANAGEMENT Solutions FOR STUDENT SUCCESS hmy GO-TO STRATEGIES get some exercise or go for a jog call a friend watch funny clips online listen to music deep cleansing breaths (try an app or learn a new method) change your environment; get some fresh air TRY ONE OF THESE APPROACHES FOCUS AFTER SO WHAT? ART OF DISTRACTION Think about what you are doing right after the stressful event. Shift some of your focus to that. CREATE something to do or look forward to - preferably more than one. SUGGESTIONS: use self rewards (coffee, treat/snack, online time) OR schedule something (meeting with friend, shopping, sports, hobby time, or other activity) Ask myself - What is the worst that can happen? Come to terms with that. Play out the scenario: OK So what if I? It just means which means the worst case is...oh WELL! I can always. Enlist the help of a friend or family member to talk or joke with you to keep your mind off the event. Make a phone call or look up something of interest online. Listen to music, draw, or try some other small distraction if this helps.

Serving as a RESOURCE Within and beyond our community Providing SOLUTIONS and SUPPORT 1 on 1 coaching, trainings, webinars Executive function skills, study skills, high school prep, ADHD, ACT and exam prep, self and life management Student planners/agendas and student manual Partnership Teachers, School professionals, Parents, Students