Check out the downloadable resource for this area of executive functioning to support your learning!
The Executive Functioning Skill of Goal-Directed Persistence
Have you consulted with a teacher about a student who struggles to meet goals related to assignments or projects? Have you observed students who are too distracted by preferred activities to complete tasks? These students may need help with the executive functioning skill known as goal-directed persistence. Are there ways in which school psychologists can help kids stay motivated to meet a goal? Let’s talk about goal-directed persistence and how school psychs can set students up for success!
Developing Goals with Students
One of the most effective ways to improve a student’s goal-directed persistence skill is to make the goal as real, concrete, and visible as possible. Additionally, students could be involved not only in the development of their goals but in the monitoring and tracking of their results. What other ways can school psychologists support students with goal-directed persistence weaknesses? School psychs can praise specific behaviors and provide honest, fact-based feedback!
Meeting Short and Long-Term Goals
What strategies can help students meet short-and long-term goals? Are there environmental changes school psychs can recommend to teachers? Creating short-term objectives that result in concrete progress is an evidence-based practice; however, keeping a child’s cognitive ability in mind when creating objectives is essential. The timeline for an adolescent student with cognitive delays may be the same as an elementary-age student with no cognitive delays. Remember to celebrate their wins, no matter how big or small!
If you’re a school psychologist navigating the world of executive functioning, consider joining the Prepared School Psychologist community. For a limited time, we’re offering a free two-week trial where you can explore our executive functioning mini-courses. These courses provide in-depth strategies and tools for effectively supporting students and their executive functioning needs. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your practice. Sign up and start your trial today using the code “BLOG.”
Dawson, P. & Guare, R. (2018). Executive skills in children and adolescents: A practical guide to assessment and intervention (3rd ed.). The Guilford Publications Inc.
