May 1, 2026
Teachers and teacher assistants at Center Valley Elementary in Russellville recently spent the morning taking a deep dive into building executive functioning in their students. This staff has spent most of the school year learning what executive functioning is, how it develops, and the strengths and deficits within its functions. They have been exploring ways to identify scaffolds that build students' EF skills and exposing their students to lessons that raise awareness in the classroom.
During their deep dive, they spent time unpacking Cognitive Load Theory and working memory, which helped teams align universal and individual supports for students. They unpacked the three main EF areas and aligned supports to specific students in their school. This amazing staff also stepped into vulnerability by taking a self-assessment of executive functioning strengths and weaknesses! They discussed as a team and validated that collective efficacy is one of the most powerful aspects of a high-achieving school focused on growth for ALL learners. Way to go, Center Valley Team! #ArchFordServes