Computer Science Learning and Executive Functioning: Practical Strategies

Session Dates

Wednesday April 01, 2026 - PaTTAN - Online Course
Tuesday June 30, 2026 - PaTTAN - Online Course

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This course examines the role of executive functioning (EF) skills including organization, planning, working memory, emotional regulation, and cognitive flexibility in supporting student success in computer science. Educators will explore how EF skills affect student engagement, problem-solving, debugging, and algorithmic thinking in CS classrooms. Participants will leave with practical strategies and classroom routines they can immediately apply to strengthen EF skills and promote effective CS instruction.

Objectives

Participants will:

• Identify key executive functioning (EF) skills and explain how they influence student learning in computer science.
• Apply practical strategies that support EF skill development during CS lessons and activities.
• Utilize classroom tools and resources to cultivate EF skills alongside core computer science practices.
• Integrate classroom routines and instructional structures into CS instruction to reduce cognitive load and strengthen student independence, planning, and persistence.
• Describe EF-related barriers in their own CS learning environments, and design or adapt CS tasks to support learners with diverse executive functioning needs.

Target Audience

Grade-level teachers, Content-area teachers, Special education teachers, English language (ELL) teachers, Librarians, Specialists, Instructional coaches. Participants do NOT have to be designated CS or STEM teachers. Reasonable efforts will be made to accommodate individuals who have special needs as addressed by the Americans with Disabilities Act and who need assistance at this event. Contact: Sadie Hetrick, at 717-901-2273, or shetrick@pattan.net.