This course will help students better identify their areas of strength and weakness--and focuses on using strengths to accommodate weaknesses.  We will cover each of 10 executive function areas throughout the course--explaining each one with real-life examples, going through a personal skills inventory to help students understand where they may need to put in more supports, giving students support options and tips/tricks, and then assigning homework that helps them integrate the supports they need most.

Executive function areas covered include:

* Planning/prioritizing (with understanding of "important" vs. "urgent")
* Organization
* Time Management
* Task initiation
* Working memory
* Self-monitoring (metacognition)
* Impulse and Emotional control ("self-control") 
* Sustained attention
* Flexibility
* Perseverance

Students will review 1-3 pre-recorded videos each week--each covering a different executive function.  They will then have related homework assignments to complete and submit to the Outschool classroom page using typed posts or the Add Video link to present their work and discuss what they did, what challenge they faced with the task and what went well.  They will also be asked to offer other students suggestions for another students challenges and use the feedback model given in the classroom that incorporates positive and constructive feedback.  Students may be asked to participate in a Nearpod learning lesson more than once for the duration of the course, but not more than once/week.

Students will get teacher feedback on all of their posts even if only to confirm they have completed the task well so they know they're on the right path; but also with additional tips, tricks or fine tuning as applicable.  This is usually done via the video posting feature.  

* THERE IS FIVE WEEKS OF POSTED CONTENT TO THIS FLEX COURSE.  SOME SECTIONS ARE GIVEN SIX WEEKS OF ACCESS WHERE THE TEACHER HAS AGREED TO BE "ON CALL" TO RESPOND TO POSTS AND MESSAGES FOR AN EXTRA WEEK BECAUSE THERE IS A US FEDERAL HOLIDAY DURING THAT SECTION'S DATES *

Homework will require parent involvement and input to help students find new ways to accommodate their weaknesses by using their strengths in the context of their own world and your household's lifestyle, constraints and preferences.  This homework is a way to help them build self-advocacy skills.