Students are expected to have well developed Executive Function skills by the time they reach high school, but unfortunately these critical life skills are not typically taught in elementary school or middle school. With expert guidance and structure, students can learn to effectively manage themselves so that they are equipped for taking on challenges in school or in life. Consistent academic performance requires stamina which is built on a foundation of solid Executive Function skills.
What Executive Function skills do students need?
- Managing time
- Organizing thoughts and materials
- Paying attention
- Planning and prioritizing
- Getting started (task initiation)
- Staying on track
- Remembering what to do and when to do it
- Problem solving
- Self-reflection
- Managing emotions and impulses
What is the Timeline for Typical Development of Executive Function Skills by Age?
Elementary School (Ages 5 - 10)
Children in elementary school are developing emerging skills that are foundational building blocks for future development. Examples of these include:
- learning to pay attention
- learning to control their behavior
- following simple sets of directions
Get comprehensive information about executive function in elementary school students.
Middle School (Ages 11 - 13)
Children who successfully develop impulse control, the ability to follow directions and focus their attention go on to develop more cognitively intensive executive function skills in middle school. The next level of development includes milestones such as:
- learning to think and plan ahead
- planning and problem solving
- following daily routines
Get comprehensive information about executive function in middle school students.
High School (Ages 14 - 18)
In high school, students are beginning to turn the corner with developing executive functioning skills that will support them in their adult years. More advanced skills at this stage look like:
- learning to think and behave with flexibility
- adapting to shifting expectations and rules
- collaborating with peers to complete projects
Get comprehensive information about executive function in high school students.
How Are Your Child's Executive Function Skills?
Take our assessment to learn which Executive Function areas are strengths or challenges for your middle school or high school child.
You'll rate your child's abilities in the areas of time management, planning and completing work, managing emotions, organization, and managing their behavior.
Our Executive Function coaches are carefully screened, highly trained, and ready to work face to face online or in person with students who are experiencing challenges in any of the areas listed above. Beyond BookSmart is the nationally recognized expert in helping students become more effective learners. We have helped thousands of students gain the skills they need through our revolutionary approach to changing habits and our comprehensive database with over 375 tools and strategies. Ready to learn more? See how we work with students in our one-on-one virtual executive function coaching program.
