In this episode of the Prepared School Psych podcast, host Jenny Ponzuric interviews Dr. Peg Dawson, a renowned school psychologist and co-author of the Smart But Scattered series, to discuss the importance of executive functioning in students' academic success. Dr. Dawson shares her extensive career journey, describing her transition from a school psychologist to an expert in executive skills. She emphasizes the critical role of teaching executive skills explicitly and provides insight into collaborating with teachers and parents to support students. Dr. Dawson also highlights the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on executive skill development and the challenges of integrating technology in educational settings. Practical strategies and resources for educators to enhance executive skills in students are offered, making this episode a valuable resource for those looking to deepen their understanding of this vital aspect of education.
Resources:
Smart but Scattered: https://www.smartbutscatteredkids.com/
Laurie Faith: https://activatedlearning.org/
Sarah Ward's resources: https://www.efpractice.com/
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The Executive Functioning Academy is a structured, research-based program designed specifically for educators, school psychologists, administrators, and support professionals. Over the course of 9 live sessions, we’ll focus on strengthening 12 executive skills that help you manage your day, reduce stress, and build better systems for sustainable success.
Summer cohort begins July 8, 2025
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Time Stamps:
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:00 Dr. Peg Dawson's Background and Career Journey
01:59 Understanding Executive Skills
06:23 The Importance of Executive Skills in Education
07:49 Challenges and Strategies for Teaching Executive Skills
10:57 The Role of Technology in Executive Skill Development
17:52 Impact of the Pandemic on Executive Skills
21:31 Rethinking Executive Skills
23:41 Challenges in Measuring Executive Skills
26:05 Real-World Applications and Observations
29:20 Recommended Resources for Educators
35:04 Key Messages for Educators
36:59 Personal Reflections and Advice
41:37 Conclusion and Farewell
The information and advice provided are for guidance purposes only, and all participants are required to follow federal and state law and their school district guidelines and policies.
