Executive Function and its role in student success:

A guide for parents and educators.

Authored by:

Samantha DePalo, M.Ed,
Director of Highschool & Outreach

Executive function (EF) is a term that has become increasingly relevant in education and parenting as we better understand how these skills impact students’ learning, development, and overall well-being. Often described as the “CEO” of the brain, executive function includes the cognitive processes that allow us to “organize our behavior over time and override immediate demands in favor of longer-term goals” (Dawson and Guare, 2004). In other words, EF skills help us plan, focus, self-monitor, and adapt. For many students, especially those with learning differences, strong executive function skills are key to navigating academic and social challenges. At The Jones-Gordon School, where we prioritize a whole-child approach grounded in emotional intelligence, supporting students’ executive function is a cornerstone of our work. Here, we’ll cover what executive function entails, why it matters, and how an educational environment that values and nurtures EF can make a lasting difference in students’ lives.

Understanding Executive Function: The Thomas Brown Model

Psychologist Thomas Brown has developed one of the most widely recognized models of executive function. According to Brown, EF is made up of six interconnected clusters:

1. Activation – Organizing tasks, materials, and setting goals.
2. Focus – Sustaining attention over time and avoiding distractions.
3. Effort – Regulating alertness and maintaining energy.
4. Emotion – Managing frustration and emotional responses.
5. Memory – Using working memory to hold and manipulate information.
6. Action – Self-monitoring and regulating behavior.

Each of these clusters works together to help individuals manage their daily responsibilities, overcome challenges, and achieve personal goals. A child struggling in just one of these areas can find school, social interactions, and self-care more challenging than their peers. When students have executive function difficulties, they may find it hard to stay organized, follow through with tasks, or keep their emotions in check—challenges that can have a significant impact on academic performance and social relationships.

What Executive Function Struggles Look Like in Students

Students with executive function challenges often display behaviors that may be misunderstood as laziness or defiance. But these students are not “choosing” to be disorganized, forgetful, or distracted; they may genuinely struggle with the skills needed to plan, manage time, or focus on tasks. For students with learning differences like dyslexia or ADHD, executive function difficulties can be even more pronounced.

Some common signs that a student may need help with executive function include:

• Difficulty starting or completing tasks independently
• Frequent forgetting of assignments, books, or other materials
• Struggling with time management, often leading to rushed or incomplete work
• Becoming overwhelmed by multi-step tasks, especially if they require planning
• Emotional responses that seem disproportionate to the situation, like frustration over minor setbacks
• Inconsistent academic performance, such as excelling one day and struggling the next

For these students, school can feel especially challenging, and they may start to feel discouraged if their difficulties aren’t addressed. At JGS, we aim to help students move past these obstacles by recognizing the root causes and providing them with effective tools and strategies to address them.

How Schools Can Support Executive Function Development

At Jones-Gordon, we understand that students thrive best in environments that explicitly teach, implicitly model, and consistently support the growth of executive function skills. Here’s how we help our students build and strengthen their executive function skills:

Explicit Teaching of Executive Function Skills

We believe that skills like planning and organization should be taught directly. In our classrooms, students learn strategies for organizing their time and materials, breaking down large assignments, and setting achievable goals. By explicitly teaching these skills, we help students understand how to approach tasks and manage themselves, fostering a sense of confidence and capability.

Implicit Modeling of Executive Function

Our teachers model executive function skills in their daily interactions and classroom routines. By demonstrating how to break down tasks, stay organized, and handle setbacks, teachers provide students with real-world examples of effective executive function. This modeling happens in both academic and social contexts, from showing students how to use a calendar for assignments to modeling metacognitive practices while working through a problem. Seeing these skills in action gives students a reference point for how they, too, can build these capacities.

Overall Support for Executive Function Growth

Beyond direct teaching and modeling, our school creates a supportive environment where students feel safe to experiment with and practice executive function skills. We offer regular check-ins, provide all supplies (e.g., planners, organizational systems, etc.), and tailor support to each student’s unique needs. Whether it’s helping students learn to advocate for themselves, develop organizational strategies, or manage their time, we work to create a nurturing space that encourages growth and resilience.

The Benefits of an Educational Model That Supports Executive Function

An educational model that emphasizes executive function has long-term benefits that extend far beyond academic success. Here are some of the key advantages for students who develop strong executive function skills:

Improved Academic Performance

Executive function skills lay the foundation for success in all academic areas. When students can organize, plan, and stay focused, they’re better equipped to tackle assignments, study for tests, and complete projects on time. They learn to approach challenges with a sense of agency, which fosters a growth mindset and academic resilience.

Enhanced Emotional Intelligence

Executive function is closely tied to emotional regulation. Students who are taught to manage their emotions and frustrations are better equipped to handle the ups and downs of school life. This, in turn, contributes to a more positive self-image and greater social-emotional well-being. At JGS, we prioritize emotional intelligence as part of our core values, and we see this as essential to nurturing students who are empathetic, reflective, and resilient.

Greater Independence and Life Readiness

Executive function skills are crucial for long-term success, from college to the workplace and beyond. Students who develop these skills early on gain the tools they need to become independent, self-sufficient adults. They learn to set realistic goals, stay organized, and manage their time effectively—skills that are invaluable for navigating adulthood and pursuing personal and professional goals.

Positive Relationships and Social Skills

Strong executive function also contributes to better relationships. When students can regulate their emotions, focus on others, and manage social interactions, they’re more likely to build meaningful friendships and work well in group settings. By fostering a culture of kindness and emotional intelligence, we prepare students to become compassionate and collaborative individuals who contribute positively to their communities.

Comprehensive executive function support isn’t just a school perk—it’s a critical part of helping students thrive both inside and outside the classroom. At The Jones-Gordon School, we believe in a whole-child approach that prioritizes the growth of each student’s mind, heart, and character. By nurturing executive function skills through teaching, modeling, and supporting our students, we aim to empower them to face challenges with confidence, resilience, and empathy.

In a world that increasingly values emotional intelligence, adaptability, and self-regulation, executive function skills are essential. At JGS, we’re not just preparing students for tests or college; we’re preparing them for life.

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