Enhancing Student Success through Executive Functioning with Dr. Peg Dawson

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/ --------------------------------------------------------- Follow us on social media for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more: Instagram: @jennyponzuric https://www.instagram.com/jennyponzuric/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-ponzuric-1562a8119/ Join my FREE LinkedIn Group "Resources for Special Education Professionals": https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14462888/ 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.