I wanted to have a frank and honest conversation with my friend, executive function coach, and frequent guest of the pod, Seth Perler, about what is and  is not working in schools right now, especially as we are once again in that back-to-school season. Of course there have been many changes in education since the start of COVID, including the inclusion of technology in almost every aspect of learning and the increased testing that students are being subjected to since returning to campus. And we know that neurodivergent kids tend to be impacted by these changes more than other students. So what can we do as parents? Where should we be putting our energies? That’s what Seth and I get into in this episode.

Seth Perler is an Executive Function Coach and Consultant with extensive experience addressing extraordinarily diverse learning needs. Seth was a teacher for 12 years, working with a diverse range of Gifted and Twice Exceptional (2E) students in charter schools for 8 years, and teaching students with ADD, ADHD, Dyslexia and other executive function challenges, as well as students with developmental disabilities. He’s been an Executive Function coach for middle, high school and college students since 2010.

Things you'll learn from this episode

• Seth’s opinion on what is working and what is not working in schools right now
• Advice on how to push back on the increase in testing that has started since students returned to in-person lessons
• What Seth would say to parents who have kids with ADHD who are checked out of their school day
• Ideas for getting educators on board in shifting the paradigm
• How to collaborate with a student who insists executive functioning strategies don’t actually work for them
• Practical strategies or ideas for parents who are dealing with that challenge of technology being useful but full of distractions and how to tailor the approach if a kid is showing resistance
• Seth’s thoughts on school refusal and children’s mental health

Resources mentioned for What Is / Isn't Working in School

• Seth Perler’s website
• Seth Perler’s YouTube Channel
• Introduction to Dr. Stephen Porges’ Polyvagal Theory
• A “Masterclass” in Executive Functioning with Seth Perler, Part 1 (podcast episode)
• A “Masterclass” in Executive Functioning with Seth Perler, Part 2 (podcast episode)
• A Conversation with Executive Functioning Coach Seth Perler (original podcast episode)
• Seth Perler Talks to Asher About Resistance (podcast episode)
• Seth Perler on Helping Kids Work Through Resistance, Part 2 for Parents (podcast episode)

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