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Executive Functions for Every Classroom, Grades 3-12
Foreword by Patrice Bain
Every educator wants to know: What has the greatest impact on student success?
The answer: executive function skills. They are crucial for students' academic success and personal growth, yet many of our students lack the skills required to engage in learning, such as organization, planning, time management, and self-regulation.
This book shows how educators can create a more engaging and effective learning experience while addressing the epidemic of disengagement and executive dysfunction. With practical guidance to make the skills "stick" for students, this vital resource also provides
- The three keys to teaching executive functions: Clarity, Modeling, and Routine
- An explanation of the specific executive functioning skills essential for student success
- Strategies for students to practice executive functions within the context of what they are learning
- Practical guidance for establishing a consistent and safe learning environment
- Guidance on how to expose all students to this universal MTSS/RTI Tier 1 intervention
Educators can empower students to take more risks, improve their academic performance, and prepare them for the future with the help of this innovative resource.
- Grade Level: 3-12
- ISBN: 9781071919453
- Published By: Corwin
- Year: 2024
- Page Count: 216
- Publication date: January 31, 2024
Review Copies
Review copies may be requested by individuals planning to purchase 10 or more copies for a team or considering a book for adoption in a higher ed course. To request a review copy, contact sales@corwin.com.
Description
Empower the next generation with the executive function skills they need to succeed
Every educator wants to know: What has the greatest impact on student success? The answer: executive function skills. They are crucial for students' academic success and personal growth, yet many of our students lack the skills required to engage in learning, such as organization, planning, time management, and self-regulation.
This book shows how educators can create a more engaging and effective learning experience while addressing the epidemic of disengagement and executive dysfunction. With practical guidance to make the skills "stick" for students, this vital resource also provides:
- Three keys to teaching executive functions: Clarity, Modeling, and Routine
- An explanation of the specific executive functioning skills essential for student success
- Strategies for students to practice executive functions within the context of what they are learning
- Practical guidance for establishing a consistent and safe learning environment
- Guidance on how to expose all students to this universal MTSS/RTI Tier 1 intervention
Educators can empower students to take more risks, improve their academic performance, and prepare them for the future with the help of this innovative resource.
Author(s)
Mitch Weathers
Mitch Weathers is a teacher and founder of Organized Binder, Inc. Together with the Organized Binder team, Mitch works with K-12 schools and colleges in the US and internationally to equip students with executive functioning skills. When he is not working with schools, you can find him running trails training for his next ultramarathon. He and his wife live in Northern California with their two daughters.
Table of Contents
Foreword
Preface
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Lost in the Wilderness
Navigating With Executive Functioning Skills
The Two Challenges With Teaching Executive Functions
Why Predictable Learning Routines?
Three Keys to Teaching Executive Functions
Chapter 1. Executive Dysfunction and Disengagement
Struggling With "Studentness"
We Can't Afford Executive Dysfunction Any Longer
Chapter 1 Reflection Questions
Chapter 2. Teaching Executive Functions
What are Executive Functioning Skills?
The Benefits
Clarity, Routine, & Modeling
Self-Regulation Through a Daily Routine
Conclusion
Chapter 2 Reflection Questions
Chapter 3. Working Memory: Beginning Routine
Designing a Beginning Routine
Why the Old Beginning Routine Doesn't Work
Strategies to Make Your Beginning Routine Better
Beginning Routine Example
Adjustments and Considerations
Self-Regulation Through the Beginning Routine
Conclusion
Chapter 3 Reflection Questions
Chapter 4. Working Memory: The Concluding Routine
How to Receive Authentic Feedback
Designing Your Concluding Routine
Why the Old Concluding Routine Doesn't Work
Strategies to Make Your Concluding Routine Better
Concluding Routine Example
Adjustments and Considerations
I Dare You to Try It
Self-Regulation Through the Concluding Routine
Conclusion
Chapter 4 Reflection Questions
Chapter 5. Time & Task Management: The Agenda
Developing Time & Task Management Skills
Why the Old Agenda Doesn’t Work
Strategies to Make Your Agenda Better
Agenda Template
Adjustments and Considerations
Self-Regulation Through Agendas
Conclusion
Chapter 5 Reflection Questions
Chapter 6. Organization: Tables of Contents and Academic Toolkits
What is a Table of Contents?
Why the Old Table of Contents Doesn’t Work
Strategies to Make Your Table of Contents Better
Table of Contents Example
Adjustments and Considerations
Academic Toolkits
Academic Toolkit Example
Self-Regulation Through Tables of Contents and Academic Toolkits
Conclusion
Chapter 6 Reflection Questions
Chapter 7. Accountability: Portfolio Checks
Accountability Starts With Expectations
Accountability Through Portfolio Checks
Designing Your Portfolio Check
Portfolio Check Example
Adjustments and Considerations
Self-Regulation Through Portfolio Checks
Conclusion
Chapter 7 Reflection Questions
Chapter 8. Goal Setting
Why the Old Goal Setting Doesn’t Work
Strategies to Make Goal Setting Better
Goal Setting Example
Adjustments and Considerations
Self-Regulation Through Goal-Setting
Conclusion
Chapter 8 Reflection Questions
Chapter 9. Conclusion
Self-Regulation
Self-Efficacy and Internal Motivation
Tenacity (Formerly Known as Grit)
Executive Functions as Transferable Skills
Content Area Gains
Family Engagement
Signing Off
Appendix: Effect Size
Glossary
References
Reviews
“Classroom teachers know they are teaching content and do it well. Yet more importantly, they are teaching their students how to learn and that takes executive functioning. Weathers’ book provides research-backed, immediately applicable strategies to support the development of executive functioning in one’s classroom. It’s beyond helpful, whether you finish feeling validated, get good reminders, or new learning. It’s worth the read.”Jennifer Abrams
Author of Stretching Your Learning Edges: Growing (Up) at Work and Having Hard Conversations
"I’m not exaggerating when I say that this is a must read for every single teacher on the planet! Weathers provides actionable, yet realistic steps, for teachers to take to consistently create more predictable learning spaces for all students. This work has a profound impact on all students, but chaos navigators, in particular, benefit. Chaos Navigators are our young people who are giving everything they have just to survive the lack of predictability they experience every movement outside of school. When teachers commit to the strategies outlined in this book they create havens for students, moments in their day that are safer, and that makes all the difference. Our chaos navigators are more likely to lean into their education and take the risks inherent to learning if they are in classrooms like those described in this book. Thank you for this absolute gift, Mitch!"Jaz Ampaw-Farr
Human-First CEO, Keynote Speaker and Resilience Ninja, Be Human First Ltd.
Today's students are struggling with motivation and self-discipline. Ignoring fads and hype, this book outlines simple processes every school can put in place to get students to believe in themselves and develop the habits they'll need for success in school and in life. Executive Functions for Every Classroom will become an instant classic and will transform the learning and trajectory of generations of students."
"In Executive Functions for Every Classroom, Mitch Weathers makes the case for universal classroom routines that free up students' mental bandwidth to focus on learning. Rather than struggle through the day trying to navigate different expectations in every classroom, students can rely on predictable structures for starting and ending every class, organizing their work, and keeping track of their progress.Justin Baeder
Today's students are struggling with motivation and self-discipline. Ignoring fads and hype, this book outlines simple processes every school can put in place to get students to believe in themselves and develop the habits they'll need for success in school and in life. Executive Functions for Every Classroom will become an instant classic and will transform the learning and trajectory of generations of students."
PhD, Director of the Principal Center
"This book is a masterclass on how to create a predictable learning routine that guarantees your students' success. Mitch is my go-to executive functions expert and he's shared what works with you here."Danny Bauer
Founder of Better Leaders Better Schools
“This text would be an outstanding start for a staff-wide book study. Systemic change geared towards altering a school culture where every student is empowered to succeed is the goal of this book. It all begins with a caring teacher providing students tools that promote executive function skills.”D. Allan Bruner
Science/Math Teacher, Retired, Colton High School, OR, 2006 Oregon Teacher of the Year
"Full of simple, doable actions and clear, engaging examples to bring ideas to life, this book is an essential friend to bring clarity and organisation into your classroom."Becky Carlzon
Author of "Powering up Children" and designer of Learning Pioneers and PressPlay
"Executive functions are the invisible gears that we all need to be successful. When we neglect to teach them explicitly and with modeling, our students suffer in disengagement and inequity. This book is the essential guide for teachers hoping to make learning more equitable, engaging, and enlightening!"Ariel Curry
Author of "Hungry Authors: A Simple Guide to Planning, Creating, and Publishing a Nonfiction Book" (forthcoming)
"After reading Mitch's book, I’m a big fan. As I was reading, the thought that kept occurring to me was man, if everyone did this, so many kids would do so much better in school, and they’d enjoy it more too!"Jennifer Gonzalez, EdD
Founder, Cult of Pedagogy
"We often hear about goals to foster students who are lifelong learners and Weathers has outlined a systematic, logical, and easy to implement structure for maximizing students' executive function. His Daily Routine teaches students how to be organized, avoids overtaxing on their cognitive loads and reduces the time and effort required for teachers to plan. Every educator who wants their students to be actively engaged in the process of learning, focus their attention on academic goals, and have the skills to be successful should read Executive Functions for Every Classroom."Connie Hamilton
Author, Educator, Speaker, Presenter
"Mitch’s book is the perfect combination of school-site anecdotes, research-based practices, and personal reflections. As an author of time management books for teachers (and the mom of four kids myself!), I was quite literally riveted learning about the differences between agendas and planners, and I found myself reconsidering some of my former teaching routines. This text is a valuable resource of ideas, activities and templates you can put into practice the very next day."Maia Heyck-Merlin
Author of "The Together Teacher," "The Together Leader," and "The Together Teammate," CEO and Founder of The Together Group
"Executive Functioning has been shown to be one of the characteristics that helps young people grow into great leaders, and this world needs more effective leaders in every arena. Through clear language, and powerful stories, Mitch shares strategies and simple solutions to help teach this critical skill in every classroom."Jethro Jones
Founder, How to be a Transformative Principal
"I LOVED this book. Every teacher, including adult educators, should be able to use or adapt practices in their learning environment by using this book. Learn what executive function is, how executive dysfunction impacts learners, and, most importantly, how to design routines to ensure all learners have the tools to be focused, organized, and purposeful. All the strategies are supported by research, and the evidence-based practices that Mitch outlines seem totally within reach. What a fantastic read!"Katie Novak, EdD
Founder and Executive Director, Novak Education Consulting
"In Executive Functions for Every Classroom, Mitch Weathers brilliantly breaks down what executive functions are, why they are critical to our students' success, and how to teach them in any setting. With this book, our students will achieve in school, and in life. There is wisdom on every page!"Alex Kajitani
Speaker, Author, and California Teacher of the Year; Top-4 Finalist, National Teacher of the Year
“Executive Function for Every Student by Mitch Weathers is an indispensable and powerful guide that addresses the critical issue of disengagement and dysfunction in students and offers practical solutions to foster self-regulation and academic success. Weathers systematically breaks down the challenges students face each day, while providing insightful strategies, real-life examples, and actionable advice to help educators and parents empower students with essential executive functioning skills. With a deep understanding of the hurdles students encounter and a wealth of resources for improvement, this book equips readers with the tools necessary to cultivate executive functions in students, ultimately transforming their educational experience and setting them on a path to outstanding achievement."Joshua Stamper
Author, Podcaster, and Training and Development Specialist for the Teach Better Team
"Written with empathy for both teachers and students, this book is a must-read for all educators! Practical strategies based on solid research equip teachers with exactly what they need to help students boost their executive functioning, perhaps the most important life skill today."
Julie Stern"Written with empathy for both teachers and students, this book is a must-read for all educators! Practical strategies based on solid research equip teachers with exactly what they need to help students boost their executive functioning, perhaps the most important life skill today."
Four-time Bestselling Author and Founder of www.edtochangetheworld.com
"We've needed a book like this for a long time. If students are without executive functioning skills, almost nothing else that we do matters. I recommend that this book becomes a prerequisite in every teacher and school leader prep program available."T.J. Vari, PhD
Co-Founder of The Schoolhouse 302, Author, School Leader, and book nerd
Review Copies
Review copies may be requested by individuals planning to purchase 10 or more copies for a team or considering a book for adoption in a higher ed course. To request a review copy, contact sales@corwin.com.
Related Professional Learning
Related WebinarsRelated Resources
- Creating Safe and Predictable Learning Environments for Students with Mitch Weathers [Video]
- Executive Functions for Each Student [Podcast]
- Executive Functions in Every Classroom [Podcast]
- FocusED Podcast with Mitch Weathers [Podcast]
- Principal Center Radio: Executive Functions for Every Classroom [Podcast]
- Teaching Executive Functions [Book Excerpt]
- Teaching Executive Functions to All Students [Podcast]
- Teaching Students Executive Functioning Skills [Podcast]
- What Are Executive Functions and Why are they Important? [Podcast]