Empowering Students and Educators: Strategies for Reading, Language, Anxiety, and Avoidance

Empowering Students and Educators: Strategies for Reading, Language, Anxiety, and Avoidance

ResearchILD is excited to host a number of educational experts at our 38th Annual Executive Function Conference on November 9 and 10.

In this post, we’ll introduce seven of the eleven concurrent presentations (read about our other four speakers). These pre-recorded concurrent sessions will be available starting the week of November 6. Conference attendees will have unlimited access to all concurrent sessions and the recordings of the live plenary sessions through January 15, 2024. Stay tuned over the next weeks to learn more about this year’s presenters.

Reading and Language

  • Students Can’t Organize What They Can’t See: Making Language Visible for Learning,” by Anthony Bashir, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, Bonnie Singer, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, and Jessica Curtin, M.Ed., dives into the significance of visualizing language for effective learning. Their research highlights how students can benefit from making language more visible, a concept that is vital for educators seeking to empower their students with language and communication skills.
  • Joanna Christodoulou, Ed.D., will explore “Resilience in Students with Reading Challenges: The Intersection Between Neuroscience and Educational Practice.” This presentation is a must-see for those interested in the connection between neuroscience and educational strategies for students with reading difficulties. Understanding the neurological aspects of learning can lead to more effective support.
  • Reading Comprehension: Strategies That Improve Accuracy and Reduce Reading Anxiety,” by Tami Katzir, Ph.D., offers valuable insights into reducing reading anxiety and enhancing comprehension skills. Katzir’s research delves into strategies that help students not only understand what they read but also feel more confident and at ease while doing so.
  • The Science of Reading Meets the Art of Instruction: Designing Instructional Practices for Students with LD,” by Josh Clark, M.Ed., and Adam Hickey, Ed.M., MSEd, bridges the gap between scientific research on reading and the practical implementation of instructional practices for students with learning disabilities. This presentation highlights the importance of marrying the science of reading with the art of teaching.

Anxiety, Avoidance, and Promoting Student Agency

  • Understanding the Cycles of Anxiety, Avoidance, and Accommodation,” by Arielle Gartenberg, Psy.D., NCSP, and Leah Benjamin, Psy.D., delves into the intricate relationship between anxiety, avoidance, and the strategies students employ to cope with their challenges. Their insights are crucial for educators seeking to provide a supportive environment that addresses these issues head-on.
  • In “Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome: When Students Can’t Get Things Done,” Peter Isquith, Ph.D., shines a spotlight on the struggles students face when they’re unable to complete tasks or assignments. This session brings to light the importance of recognizing and addressing cognitive disengagement, a phenomenon closely tied to anxiety and avoidance behaviors.
  • Ari Fleisher, M.Ed., explores “Universal Design for Learning: What It Is and How It Promotes Students’ Agency.” This presentation offers a solution-oriented approach, emphasizing the significance of creating inclusive and accessible learning environments. By incorporating universal design principles, educators can empower students and promote their agency in their own learning process.

Learn More

All concurrent presentations serve as a dynamic toolkit for parents, educators, and students, offering a range of strategies and insights to shape the well-rounded individuals of tomorrow. Collectively, these presentations intertwine to create a comprehensive framework for nurturing academically proficient students and emotionally intelligent, socially adept, and resilient individuals.

To hear from these presenters and more, we invite you to attend ResearchILD’s 38th Annual Executive Function Conference on November 9 and 10, 2023.

  • Caitlin Vanderberg, M.Ed., SMARTS Associate

SMARTS Executive Function Curriculum: smarts-ef.org

Research Institute for Learning and Development: researchild.org