Executive Functioning – Strategies for the Classroom (Secondary)

Executive functioning encompasses so much more than time and materials management, especially as we embark on the secondary years of school. This 1-day workshop will provide an overview of executive functioning including the practical application of skills, strategies, and tools that promote executive functioning growth for secondary-age students. Additionally, the exploration of incorporating metacognition and study skills will surely help develop autonomy and confidence in your students; preparing them for life after high school.

Details

Audience: Secondary Teachers, Administrators, Literacy Coaches
Length: One Day Workshop
Presenter/s: Billy Swift and Lisa Benjamin
Date: 6/18/24
Time: 8:30am-3:30pm

Outcomes

• Define study skills and explain a multitude study skills strategies
• Demonstrate an understanding of how to incorporate study skills into curriculum
• Generate meaningful activities that integrate curriculum and study skills
• Understand and use various templates
• Adapt and micro-unit various skills to meet the needs of their students

Agenda / Topics

• Executive functioning overview
• Executive functioning in the classroom
• Current research
• Scope and sequence of executive functioning skills 
• Application
• Individualized unit design
• Explore additional resources

Presenter Billy Swift

Billy Swift has been at Chartwell since 2013, has worked in special education since 2008, is the director of student support at Chartwell School, and associate director of Chartwell Teaching Institute. In his role, Billy oversees the SEAD curriculum, PBIS, related services, response to behavior, interventions, restorative practices, and is a resource for students, families, and faculty. His roles in education have included working as a reading specialist, expressive language teacher, and advocate for students with learning and attention differences. He is versed in various Orton-Gillingham based approaches including Wilson, PAF, and Lindamood-Bell.

Billy has led many workshops or presentations on various topics such as Dyslexia, ADHD, Social-Emotional Development, Executive Functioning, Classroom Management, and Neurodiversity. He has presented for or been a guest speaker for the International Dyslexia Association, AIM Youth Mental Health, and EdRev, to name a few. Billy holds an MFA from Lesley University and a Master of Science in Education from Simmons College.

Presenter Lisa Benjamin

Lisa Benjamin is an occupational therapist at Chartwell School. She holds a Masters in occupational therapy from San Jose State University and a bachelors in Exercise Science from Fresno State and has a dual elementary education and mild/moderate special education credential. Lisa has worked at Chartwell for 5 years as the lead occupational therapist, and previously worked in a pediatric outpatient setting.

Prior to Chartwell, Lisa was a Resource Specialist and case manager for 5 years in a middle school in Sanger, CA. In addition to overseeing executive functioning at Chartwell, being an instructional coach, and providing individualized OT services to small groups of students (1st-12th grade), she provides instructional workshops to teachers and families that focus on sensory processing, classroom accommodations, executive functioning, social emotional learning, driver readiness, and fine and visual motor skills.