Beyond the Norms classes are eligible for STEP UP for STUDENTS as an approved provider. 

For full year class working on a project developing their own individualized brain-wiring User Manual to pinpoint and save learning methods and tricks that work best for their own brain see links:

13-18
https://outschool.com/classes/executive-function-learn-study-motivate-brain-wiring-hacking-project-class-3U08n69L?refuid=5NI17KDI

9-12
https://outschool.com/classes/executive-function-learning-motivation-brain-wiring-hacking-canva-project-class-uxGpmeMd?refuid=5NI17KDI

Over ten weeks, we will build on and go beyond the basics of Executive Functioning to explore the intricate workings of the brain and how we can optimize its functions to improve our cognitive prowess. 

An overview will be included of EF skills for true beginners not to feel lost BUT many students these days have been taught or told the basics of growth mindset, planning, task managing with calendars, reminders, graphic organizers and planners. These are all tools that you don't have to throw out by any means...but this course goes beyond the generics. 

We will delve into the neuroscience behind EF skills and combine that with the understanding of brain wiring- both typical and neurodivergent. We look at where these skills can get off track and how to improve on them no matter what level we are starting at or what type of brain wiring we have. 

Any common methods for improving EF skills will be broken down with the brain science behind it so that modifications can be made as needed. All brains are different and no brain helping aid is a one size fits all- or at least it isn't fitting like a tailored suit. 

Students will be guided in making these skills work for THEM as an individual thinker and end user of their own hardware. 

***Please note that this class is not intended to provide therapy.***

Objective/Standards: 
    Students will understand what executive functioning is, why it's important, where their strengths and weakness lie and how to improve their own executive functioning skills.

Essential Question: 
    How can improving our executive functioning skills help us become more effective learners, master studiers, decision ninjas and critical thinking problem solvers?

In this class we focus on understanding and enhancing executive functioning skills, based on the latest neuroscience research. Executive Functioning skills have been found to be more critical for success in academics and life than IQ level. This course not only builds executive functioning skills but also fosters a deeper understanding of how the brain works and how to harness its full potential.

🌟 Expert Guidance: 
     As a neurodiverse 2e SPED educator (graduate education focus on ADHD, Autism, Gifted, 2E, Dyslexia), I am deeply passionate about tapping into the full potential and intrinsic motivation of every child through outside-the-box and creative, critical thinking. 
     As a Researcher, it is my nature to constantly seek out and use innovative, research-backed approaches to learning that not only acknowledge, but also celebrate each child's uniqueness. I have thorough experience in breaking down complex neuroscience concepts into easy-to-understand strategies for children of all ages.

🌟 Personalized Learning: 
     All participants will receive a questionnaire to discover their unique strengths and weaknesses in executive functioning, allowing for a tailored learning experience.

🌟 Welcoming Environment: 
     I understand and respect the need for some students to "fly incognito" and offer flexible interaction options, including chat-based discussions for those who prefer not to use microphones but still want to engage. I also understand some students may wish to check in and then learn in their comfort zone of camera off (which is why this discussion class has extra seats for those less comfortable in chiming in).

🌟 Course Schedule:
This 10 week class starts off in Growth Mindset and what it means to learn.  🎬

🧠 Learning is making connections in the brain, mistakes are opportunities for learning as more connections are made when making a mistake and/or struggling than when learning something in a straight line. 

🥅 Second class also goes over goal making- the why and how. For each week, sample goals will be demonstrated for building each Executive Functioning area and how to build our arsenal (and keeping track of our inventory of arsenal!) for conquering our goals. 

🌟 Interactive and Flexible: 
     Classes are designed to be interactive where students are given challenges and encouraged to discuss during learning to recognize their strengths and create actionable goals throughout the class. 

Each subject and each week is a gold mine of over 20 years of research and study. 

While these techniques were developed to help those with Executive Dysfunction, all students can benefit from the science behind activating the maximum amount of their brain while learning.

🌟 Inclusive Teaching Style: 
     This class caters to all learning styles and all students are welcome, whatever accommodation they need. 

Students participating in the class will gain the most benefit but I also understand, as a SPED educator, that some students will absorb more information from within their comfort zone. I will encourage participation but feel free to reach out ahead of time to inform me of any needs.