Educational Approaches for Strengthening Executive Function

Our team provides resources and services for schools, educators and families designed to help students build strong executive function skills.

Executive functions are the cognitive processes that allow people to plan, organize, make decisions, and regulate attention. Research has shown that mastery of executive function skills is a better predictor of school success than IQ. They are essential for success in school and in life!

Our Executive Function Curriculum, EF > IQ, provides the basis for all our educational products and services. It has been field-tested by education specialists at RNBC and implemented by thousands of educators nationwide.

Workshops

Our virtual and in-person Executive Function workshops offer interactive learning experiences for educators. Our school-based EF Curriculum provides the foundation for the multiple workshops we offer every year. Participants receive training and resources highlighting best practices and providing ready-to-use strategies.

• EF > IQ for the Classroom and EF > IQ for Early Learners: These interactive workshops provide a comprehensive overview of our Executive Function curriculum and focus on practical Tier 1 classroom implementation.
• Executive Function Series (EFCS): Designed for educators, coaches and tutors working in small groups or with individual students who need targeted EF support. These workshops provide practical Tier 2 and 3 strategies to help students become more independent and successful in school.

Below are the dates and details for our upcoming workshops:

• EF Coaching Workshop Series 2026 - 9:00am-10:30am (CST)
  • 9/16/26 - Foundational EF Strategies and Progress Monitoring
  • 10/14/26 - Time Management and Task Analysis
  • 11/18/26 – Study Strategies and Test Prep
  • 12/16/26 – Self-Regulation and Focusing Strategies
  • Register here
• EF for the Classroom - 9:00am-12:00pm (CST)
  • Oct. 22, 2026 - For Educators in 4th-12th Grade
    • Register here
  • April 21, 2027 - For Educators in 4th-12th Grade
    • Register here
• EF for Early Learners – 9:00am-12:00pm (CST)
  • November 17, 2026 - For Educators in PreK-3rd Grade
    • Register here
  • May 6, 2027 – For Educators in PreK-3rd Grade
    • Register here
• EF Coaching Workshop Series 2027 - 9:00am-10:30am (CST)
  • 1/21/27- Foundational EF Strategies and Progress Monitoring
  • 2/18/27 - Time Management and Task Analysis
  • 3/18/27 – Study Strategies and Test Prep
  • 4/15/27 – Self-Regulation and Focusing Strategies
  • Register here

For more information on booking an Executive Function Workshop, please contact Cate Gonley at Cathleen_gonley@rush.edu.

Curriculum

EF > IQ is the latest evolution of our EF Curriculum Series, featuring an updated look, streamlined lesson design, and an inclusive approach to teaching EF skills in today's classrooms. Paired with our dynamic, high-quality PDs and workshops, it equips educators with everything they need to make teaching EF skills part of their daily instruction.

• Adaptable Across Grade Levels: Practical EF skills for 4th-12th grade, moving students from dependence to independence
• MTSS-Aligned: Inclusive strategies and supports for Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 learners
• EF Learning Targets: Students develop EF Skills through the lens of Organization, Planning, Academic Application, Strategic Thinking and Self-Regulation
• Self-Assessment & Progress Monitoring Tools: Intuitive tracking tools that can be used as universal screeners for multi-tiered support and to track progress over time

For more information or to place an order, please contact Cate Gonley at Cathleen_gonley@rush.edu.

Free resources

• Free Webinar: Think Big, Start Small: Getting Started with EF > IQ
  • Register here
  • Dates to select from: December 4, 2025, January 14, 2026, February 10, 2026, March 9, 2026
• EF Desk (or Executive Function Desk) is an interactive, online video series designed with teachers, parents, and students in mind.
  • Watch now
• Our free newsletter provides updates about our Executive Function workshops, educational products and practical EF strategies for the home and classroom.
  • Sign up

Online Courses

Adapted from our live presentations, these interactive, self-paced online courses provide teachers and parents with effective strategies designed to help students find school success by developing strong Executive Function skills.

• Executive Function Online Course for Teachers
• Executive Function for the Family

For more information or to register for an online course, please contact Cate Gonley at Cathleen_gonley@rush.edu.

Our Team