Executive functions are a set of 9-12 different skills that develop through adolescence.  They are a set of processes that have to do with managing oneself and one’s resources in order to achieve a goal.  It is an umbrella term for the neurologically-based skills involving mental control and self-regulation.   We group these skills into two categories, academic management skills and social emotional skills. 

An academic coach or an executive function coach works alongside a student to help them apply self management steps (organization/time management/planning and prioritizing) their  current academic demands. Students learn by doing so a coach creates an situation where they work WITH a student, not does not do the planning FOR the student.  An academic coach helps students approach and manage academic demands. Students who may benefit from a coach are usually:

• struggling to manage materials or assignments
• struggling to apply what they’re learning
• unaware of what is interfering with their success
• resistant to help from parents
• transitioning to a new environment (college, high school, new school)

At times, tensions between parents and students interfere with learning. An academic coach can offer a neutral, fresh perspective helping the student re-engage academically.   Visit here to learn more about academic coaching.

A tutor is an instructor responsible for helping a student improve in a specific subject area, such as science or math.

Example: Tina is working with a tutor to help improve her understanding of grammar in English class.

Time management refers to one’s ability to manage time limits and adhere to imposed deadlines; considered an essential skill for students as it applies to preparing for assessments and completing assignments on time.  This is often a chief complaint parents have with their students who may procrastinate, have difficulty exiting the house on time or submitting assignments when they are due.  Student may self report they need to ‘improve time management skills’ because they’ve been told that by a parent or teacher.  A qualified executive function coach will help determine what skills are missing,  and help the student build successful follow through steps they can easily follow.

Example: Toby has been using the Effective Student Method to improve his time management as it relates to completing homework assignments, going to bed at a reasonable hour and managing his own screen time.