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Practical Strategies to Develop Independent Executive Function Skills

Instructor

Sarah Ward
M.S., CCC/SLP

  • CE Hours 0.1
  • Price $40.00
  • Format: Live/Synchronous
  • Duration 1hr
$40.00
Live
Synchronous

Course Description

Many commonly used tools to support executive function such as checklists, planners, graphic organizers, and visual schedules are often implemented as primary interventions. However, effective use of these tools may require underlying executive function skills that some students have not yet developed. This course presents an alternative framework for understanding executive function and examines the distinction between compensatory supports and interventions that target underlying cognitive processes. Participants will explore strategies to support the development of foundational executive function capacities, including visual forethought, cognitive flexibility, and situational awareness. The course will also introduce structured approaches to teaching authentic task planning that promote increased independence in academic and daily activities.
Through discussion and applied examples, participants will learn practical strategies to: Support students in anticipating and mentally preparing for future demands; Facilitate flexible thinking and adaptive problem-solving; Improve students’ ability to interpret contextual cues and adjust behavior; Guide students in developing goal-directed, actionable plans.
This course is designed for clinicians and educators seeking to expand their understanding of executive function and apply evidence-informed strategies to support student independence across settings.

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

Differentiate between compensatory executive function supports and interventions designed to build underlying executive control processes.
Identify at least three strategies to develop visual forethought and future-oriented thinking in students.
Describe at least two intervention techniques to strengthen cognitive flexibility and situational awareness.
Apply a structured framework to teach authentic task planning that promotes independent executive functioning.

Completion requirements

  • Attending the full course to earn credit-attendance for the entire session is required.
  • Complete a formal assessment after watching the entire course:
  • Consisting of 5 questions
  • 80% pass rate
  • Maximum 3 attempts
  • Submit your feedback (available after the course)
  • No partial credits - you must meet all requirements to receive your completion certificate and ASHA CEUs “if applicable
  • Submission unlocks only after watching the entire course

Who is this for

  • Occupational Therapists
  • Occupational Therapy Assistants
  • Speech Therapists
  • Speech Therapy Assistants
  • Physical Therapists
  • Physical Therapy Assistants

Also suitable for

  • Special education teachers
  • Education Specialists
  • Psychologists
  • Mental Health Professionals
  • Behavioral Therapists
  • Behavioral Professionals

Time Ordered Agenda:

  • 00:00–00:05

Welcome, Introduction, and Disclosures

  • 00:05–00:15

A New View of Executive Function

  • 00:15–00:25

Developing Visual Forethought

  • 00:25–00:35

Strengthening Cognitive Flexibility

  • 00:35–00:45

Increasing Situational Awareness

  • 00:45–00:55

Teaching Authentic Task Planning

  • 00:55–01:00

Integration, Implementation Steps, and Brief Q&A

Meet The Speaker

Sarah Ward

M.S., CCC/SLP Speech and Language Pathologist, Co-Director Cognitive Connections

Sarah Ward, M.S., CCC/SLP has over 25 years of experience in the treatment of executive dysfunction. She is an internationally recognized expert on executive function and presents seminars on the practical strategies she has developed with her Co-Director, Kristen Jacobsen. Together, they created the 360 Thinking Executive Function Program, which received the Innovative Promising Practices Award from CHADD. Their latest work, The Time Tracker Program, a groundbreaking three-volume book series, has received high acclaim for its innovative approach to shifting students from adult-managed to self-regulated time management. Sarah has presented to over 2,000 public and private schools and organizations across the globe. In recognition of their international impact on executive function skills in education, Sarah and Kristen were named one of the Top 10 Professional Development Providers for 2023 by Education Technology Insights Magazine.

“Professional Affiliations and Previous Presentations”

  • Professional member of the American Speech and Language Hearing association

Disclosures

  • The speaker is the owner of Cognitive Connections, LLP, which produces and sells products related to executive functioning (including the Time Tracker and Get Ready * Do * Done Program).
  • The speaker receives intellectual property rights related to these programs.
  • The speaker will receive an honorarium from ReadySetConnect for this presentation.

No prerequisites required for this course.

This course was launched in September 2026. Upon purchase, access to all course materials is granted for five (5) years from the launch date. Course content will remain accessible through your profile while logged in, until September 2031.

Refund policy

  • Once payment is made, refunds are not available if you decide not to attend the course
  • Full refund or the option for crediting your account will be available should the course be cancelled by ReadySetConnect/speaker for any unforeseen reason

Special Requests

Special accommodations may be requested.

Please email education@test.readysetconnect.com indicating your special needs and accommodation requests.

Compliance Policy

For any compliance concerns or complaints, please reach out to diana@test.readysetconnect.com. All submissions will be reviewed and addressed, within two working days. Records will be retained in accordance with our policy.

FAQs

Yes — accredited by AOTA/ASHA for 0.1 CEUs.

This is a premium course priced at $40

Yes. All courses work on desktop, tablet, and mobile devices.
Complete the course content and assessment. Your certificate is generated instantly and available for download.

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Contact: education@test.readysetconnect.com

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