Nearly 1 in 10 children are diagnosed with ADHD, yet most educators receive no formal training in supporting executive function deficits. This gap creates challenges for teachers, frustration for parents, and academic struggles for students who are often mislabeled as unmotivated or lazy.
In this episode, Dr. Lisa Hassler speaks with Ann Dolin, founder of Educational Connections and author of "Homework Made Simple," about the critical role of executive function in student success and practical strategies for supporting ADHD learners.
Topics Covered:
Executive function skills and their impact on academic performance
Distinguishing between motivation deficits and executive function challenges
The cycle of negative feedback and declining student confidence
Evidence-based classroom accommodations and visual organization techniques
Homework modification strategies that maintain academic rigor
Metacognitive questioning approaches that promote student agency
Appropriate integration of AI tools in learning
When to implement executive function coaching versus subject-specific tutoring
About Our Guest:
Ann Dolin, M.Ed., has 30+ years of experience in education. She founded Educational Connections 27 years ago and is the author of "Homework Made Simple" and "Getting Past Procrastination." Her work focuses on executive function coaching and academic support for students with ADHD and learning differences.
Resources:
Educational Connections: ectutoring.com
This conversation provides research-informed strategies for teachers, parents, and educational professionals working with students who experience executive function challenges.
