A Framework to Support Executive Functioning Skills for Students With Learning Disabilities - SLD Supports

Do your students with difficulties in reading, math or writing also struggle to stay on task, complete work, find their supplies, and turn in homework...even when it's complete?

Learn about the overlap between Executive Functioning skills and learning disabilities in this session that walks participants through supporting the student's executive functioning skills from writing their IEP goal to strategies for implementing Specially Designed Instruction for related skills.

Specific strategies for individual students will be highlighted, as well as modifications for teaching these skills in a whole or small group. 

Audience: Special education teachers, general education teachers and school personnel that support students with specific learning disabilities. 

Presented by SLD Support Project: Jodi Sierra and Amy Weltin

Jodi Sierra serves as the Region 1 Specialist for the SLD Project, bringing 24 years of dedicated service in elementary education and leadership. Supporting diverse student populations, Jodi’s career spans critical roles such as classroom teacher, instructional specialist and elementary principal.  

She began her journey as an elementary classroom teacher before earning her Master’s Degree in Reading, which advanced her career into specializing in high-impact reading interventions for struggling readers. Driven to support educators as well as students, Jodi transitioned into an instructional specialist position – mentoring teachers and enhancing pedagogical practices. To broaden her leadership scope, she obtained a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership, equipping her to step into the role as an elementary principal.

Grounded in a commitment to educational equity and excellence, Jodi’s passion lies in empowering both students and educators to unlock their full potential and achieve their highest goals.

Amy Weltin has been with the SLD Support Project since July of 2024. She is a Region 2 Specialist serving the educators and parents in the counties around the Chicagoland area. She loves to develop and deliver PD to support educators and parents that work with students with learning disabilities.

She first joined the field of education over 30 years ago as a special education teacher. In her years as a district employee for four different districts, she taught multiple grade levels ranging from Pre-K to 12. In addition to working in the classroom, Amy was also an assistant principal at two dual-language elementary schools, a special education coordinator, and an IEP coordinator.

During her 10 year hiatus staying home with her children, she worked as a preschool teacher part-time, provided tutoring to students that struggled in reading and math, and served on her local school board where she advocated for the educational needs of all students. When Amy returned to public schools, she jumped in at the high school level. Here, she co-taught with general education high school teachers as well as taught multiple different self-contained subjects for students with learning disabilities and social-emotional needs. During her high school experience, she developed a passion for exploring the executive functioning needs of children and adolescents. This passion has extended into her current professional developments as she enjoys sharing her knowledge in this area in order to support all students.