SMARTS-T: A Research-Based Executive Function Teacher Training Program

“Well‐developed executive function (EF) processes, like goal-setting, thinking flexibly, organizing, prioritizing, memorizing and self-monitoring, are essential for success in today’s fast‐paced schools. Nevertheless, EF strategies are not taught explicitly by teachers. EF strategy instruction is particularly important for students with learning and attention problems whose EF weaknesses often place them at risk for academic failure.

Through this grant, ResearchILD will implement, evaluate and scale a pilot of SMARTS-T at the Belmonte Middle School in Saugus, Massachusetts. Through this program, ResearchILD will train a Leadership Team within the school who will coach their colleagues to implement an EF curriculum school‐wide. Long-term, ResearchILD will develop a Teacher Training Curriculum and Toolkit, informed by this pilot, to supplement the existing SMARTS curriculum as a model for creating sustainable infrastructure for using EF strategies in schools nationwide.”