For better or worse, cumulative exams are a constant of academic life. Although they seem like mere elongated versions of traditional assessments, in reality, these exams test much more than recall. They assess a student’s ability to integrate and apply knowledge across various topics in a truncated time frame. Given their comprehensive nature and the inherent time constraints of exam week, preparation for these exams demands more than just hard work—it requires smart work, which is where Executive Function (EF) shines. EF refers to the mental processes that enable students to plan, focus atte ..read more

This is usually the month when final exam preparation finally becomes tangible. For months, students and teachers discuss cumulative exams in the abstract; this is when things get real. End-of-year assessments are not just tests of knowledge, but trials of organized thought and sustained focus. By integrating three simple principles we can help students develop the mindset and methods to tackle the unique challenges of cumulative exams. The final stretch leading up to exams is a mosaic of challenges and opportunities. It is a crucible where the mettle of each student is tested in one way above ..read more

The classroom is where learning traditionally happens, but it’s not the only place. Yet not all students resonate with the pace or style of this primary form of education. Thus, it’s crucial for students to learn how to harness the power of “secondary” forms of education—all of the learning tools outside of the classroom. Secondary resources offer supplementary avenues for students to explore and understand academic material. These resources come in various forms, from comprehensive student-made flowcharts on community-driven platforms like Reddit to detailed explanatory videos on YouTube, to ..read more

Introduction to SAOTG’s In-Depth Procrastination Guide Procrastination and its progeny are significant barriers to student success. This guide arms parents, teachers, and support professionals with an arsenal of knowledge and strategies to tackle procrastination, decision fatigue, and the instant gratification trap. It unravels the complex web of procrastination’s causes, highlighting how executive functioning skills play a crucial role in students’ ability to manage time, focus attention, and initiate tasks. This in-depth guide also serves as a roadmap to SAOTG’s other resources. We want to e ..read more

When we think about learning or really any effortful activity, it’s easy to assume that more freedom, time, and resources would naturally lead to better outcomes. But that’s not necessarily true.  Sometimes, artificial constraints can cause better outcomes. The Magic of Limited Choices Consider a young writer, Sophie, who is working on an essay on Of Mice and Men. She initially faces a blank page with countless ideas swirling in her head. When given the entire day to write, she struggles with where to start, what quotes to use, and how to advance her thesis. She often finds herself distra ..read more

Binder System Items:  Avery Heavy-Duty D-ring Binder (2” – White) Avery Heavy-Duty D-ring Binders offer a durable organization solution for your documents with its one-touch open mechanism and sturdy construction. This particular line of binders features an external pocket for cover sheets and additional, reinforced interior pockets for papers to be turned in. This link is for a 2-inch white binder, but students can choose the colors and sizes that work best for their personal systems.   Subject Dividers (Avery 11270) The Avery 11270 Subject Dividers provide efficient organizati ..read more

We often tell teachers and coaches to find ways to be the most interesting thing in the room.  In other words, teaching requires capturing and maintaining a student’s attention. But that’s easier said than done these days. In the arms race for attention, human beings are losing out to a plethora of weapons of mass distraction like social media and hyper-gamified devices. Focus is no less important than it was a few decades ago, however.  The stakes are the same, but the game has changed.  In a world increasingly saturated with information and distractions, the ability to concent ..read more

More than Academics Students have a lot on their plate. They navigate a complex terrain, not just academically but also in their social and emotional lives. The modern schooling system places substantial academic demands on students, and these are compounded by the challenges of evolving social relationships and the quest for independence. Moreover, the digital era, with its social media and online learning platforms, adds layers to an already intricate social-emotional landscape. It is in this context that the role of self-regulation, a key executive function skill, becomes critically importa ..read more

At some point in every student’s academic career, self-reliance becomes a necessity rather than a virtue. Whether it’s the subject matter or the teaching style, inevitably, students need to figure things out on their own. Even with the best subject and the best teacher, students still need to master independent learning. An absence from school can create a knowledge gap that needs to be filled. Or, more commonly, as a student matriculates through the grade levels, teachers may intentionally create situations where independent learning is necessary. After all, learning how to learn is a bedroc ..read more

There is a difference between movement and progress.  Movement is aimless action. Progress, on the other hand, is intentional action toward a clear objective. Students, like the rest of us, confuse movement for progress all the time. When studying for a test or working through an essay, the allure of “action” is sometimes too great. This is particularly common when students are overwhelmed by concurrent deadlines or a multi-step assignment. For example, let’s say John has a research paper due for his A.P. U.S. History class next Friday. The rubric requires 6,000 words, an annotated biblio ..read more