Executive Function

Executive Function Coaching

The Executive Function Team works hard on both campuses to help students learn 8 core skills. Each come with “warning signs” that are watched for, as well as, Telos accommodates students on campus and in the classroom to reduce stress and anxiety.

Stats

Ages: 13-18
Gender: All
School: All
Supervision: High – Medium
Support: High – Medium

Building Confidence with Core Executive Function Skills

Some students struggle with organization and other core Executive Function skills. For example, they do their work, but lose the assignments. They have the assignment, but forget to turn it in. For students with more serious executive function needs, we employ Executive Function Coaches who act as personal organization trainers, constantly increasing the student’s ability to manage their academic and personal life. Occasionally there are students who, after utilizing all of the standard resources of Telos, need additional help. In these cases parents can employ a developed tutoring program. Telos academic tutors are patient, knowledgeable, and inspiring.

Executive Function (EF)

Executive Function (EF) refers to one’s ability to self regulate in core categories. It consists of specific higher-level processes which occur in the frontal lobe of our brains and helps us manage our resources and achieve our goals. Many specific processes have been identified and defined as parts of executive function. At Telos, we focus on eight.

Three Executive Function Levels at Center St Campus

Tier 1: Classroom Tools

Every classroom has an EF Toolbox binder that all students have access to. It contains tools to help with classroom assignments, motivation and stress management, to name a few. All teachers are trained on the use of the EF Toolbox in order to assist students in utilizing the tools effectively. If teachers assess that a student could use more help with EF skills, they refer them to the EF team for support.

Tier 2: EF Class

For students who need extra assistance with understanding the EF skills in a lesson-based structure, they are placed in the EF Class. This class consists of four students per class. It is a one-quarter, hands-on approach to understanding EF skills. Toward the end of each quarter the EF team will assess the students in the class to determine if a student requires further individualized coaching.

Tier 3: Individualized Coaching

Students who need individualized coaching in a one-on-one setting are assigned an EF Coach who will work with them on their specific EF deficits. Each of these students, along with their residential staff, teachers, and parents, will complete an assessment to identify these deficits. This coaching is typically one to two quarters.

Executive Function – Practice Room

The Executive Function bedroom is a designated room for students to practice and apply what they have learned in the EF Program. The room houses four students (one student from each apartment) for a maximum of three months. The space is “EF Friendly” with resources that promote, Organization, Initiation and Completion and Time Management skills. Students qualify to be in the EF bedroom room if they have completed or are currently enrolled in the EF program.