Written Expression. Writing essays and completing reports requires a number of executive functioning skills. It requires students to recall information previously learned, capture and hold new ideas, organize thoughts and ideas, retrieve grammar, spelling and punctuation rules and combine all of this information into a logical format.

Completing Math Problems. Math problems, or memorizing math facts, such as the multiplication tables, require students to use analytical skills, remember and recall information previously learned and remember numbers and information in the current math problem.

Previously, ADHD was thought of as "hyperactivity" or the inability to pay attention, but as more and more research is completed, it becomes obvious that there is many more challenging and complex difficulties associated with ADHD, especially if executive functioning deficits are present as well.

Tips for Helping Children with Executive Functioning Deficits

• Break assignments down into steps or chunks, with a written plan for completing the assignment
• Use organizational aids to help in organizing thoughts and ideas and to daily planners to help in keeping assignments organized
• Use time organizational aids such as alarms and watches
• Provide directions written as well as orally
• Provide transitional time in between activities or assignments
• Make use of "to do" lists
• Create a visual calendar to help with time management
• Create a working area at home that is free of clutter and distractions and regularly schedule time to reorganize
• Create checklists for completing homework and longer assignments, include important information such as due dates and test dates as well as routine tasks such as gathering supplies
• Create a system of communication between parent and teacher to help prevent missed assignments or failing grades due to deficits in executive functioning 

As a child grows and matures, it is important to remember that their needs may also change. Parents and teachers should review the needs of the student on a regular basis to determine if accommodations and modifications should be adjusted to fit the child's needs and to help ensure current and future successes in school.

Sources:

"Executive Function Fact Sheet", 1999-2009, Author Unknown, National Center for Learning Disabilities

"Executive Function: A New Lens Through Which to View Your Child", 2007, Oct, Kristin Stanberry, GreatSchools.net

"Executive Function...What Is This Anyway", 2002, Chris A. Zeigler Dendy, M.S., ChrisDendy.com