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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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.