SLV Fall Educators Conference 2026

The Student Behind the Behavior: Understanding Executive Dysfunction, Regulation, and AccessKey Takeaway: A student may know what to do and still struggle to access the skills needed to do it in the moment.


This interactive session explores executive dysfunction through a student-centered lens, helping educators look beyond challenging behavior to consider the executive-function skills that may be difficult to access. Participants will explore how stress, regulation, and cognitive demands can affect skills such as initiation, working memory, inhibition, cognitive flexibility, planning, and organization.


Through classroom scenarios, reflection, and collaborative activities, participants will practice moving from “Why won't they?” to “What might they be struggling to access?” and identify practical ways to support students while maintaining meaningful expectations.


Participants will leave with a more curious lens for understanding student behavior and practical strategies they can use in the classroom.