MAAP: Executive Functioning Training
Executive Functions are skills for organizing, clarifying thoughts, and planning. Just as the person in charge of a business has the powers of an executive, each person is in charge of his or her own thinking and actions. However, not everyone intuitively understands how to take charge of those choices. Abilities such as goal-oriented actions, purposeful attention, appropriate evaluations, effective decision-making, long-term planning, dependable organization, timely implementation, and reliable completion of projects are all part of Executive Functioning.
MAAP training is appropriate for any age, though we recommend 7th grade through adulthood. It is especially helpful when getting ready for transitions that require students to adapt to a new environment, a new set of expectations, and a different pace of work than they are used to. This includes the transition from Middle to High School, from High School to College, and before starting AP or Honors Classes. We begin with a Mindprint Cognitive Assessment and the comprehensive training is 10 hours.
The Difference between Study Skills and Executive Functioning Training
Study Skills programs primarily have a narrow focus on teaching students how they can take different kinds of notes and organize themselves on a weekly or daily basis.
MAAP Executive Functioning training not only includes Study Skills– but also teaches about the brain and efficacy. We approach students from their own learning mindset, evaluate the stressors in their lives, determine what works for them, and provide skills to support their weaknesses.
Few common misconceptions:
False– Students who need help with study skills are struggling or academically weak in school.
The fact is many academically strong students struggle with Executive Functions. They may spend many, many hours rereading materials because they can’t take effective notes, have too many activities/ commitments, have difficulty remembering details on tests although they’ve read the material, or feel overwhelmed by the pressure to succeed.
False– Students should have a diagnosed learning difference or disability to benefit from an Executive Function program.
In reality, a student with strong reasoning and memory may still struggle with relatively weak executive functioning. Perhaps this looks like a backpack so full it won’t zip, completed assignments that never make it to the teacher, or stressful all-nighters because homework isn’t completed in a timely fashion.
What are some of the signs of potentially weaker executive functioning skills?
Always studying, can’t seem to get ahead on the schoolwork.
Suffers from Anxiety, Depression, and weaker attention.
Capable but is indifferent to school or lacks the motivation to work.
Is prone to losing things and forgetting stuff
When is MAAP needed?
What is MAAP training?
“You have an approach that pushes the student to their potential without overburdening them.”
AXIOS PARENT