About the presentation

Schools have traditionally given precedence to aptitude and intelligence, but more recent research has found that mere academic skills are not sufficient in enabling students to reach their goals and potential. Although there seems to be some relationship between intelligence and executive functioning, it is clear that some very intelligence people lack EF skills. In fact, some researchers have found that EF skills predict school success better even than IQ. EF skills are important for school readiness; working memory and being able to control one's impulses.  Poor EF skills can interfere with building relationships with both teachers and peers. In this presentation we share information about the Renzulli Executive Functioning Scale (REFS) being developed at the University of Connecticut to measure: 1) Task Initiation, 2) Task Persistence, 3) Organization, 4) Self-reflection/ Awareness, 5) Emotional Regulation, 6) Collaboration, and 7) Self-advocacy.

About the presenters

Del Siegle is the Lynn and Ray Neag Endowed Chair for Talent Development in the Neag School of Education at the University of Connecticut.  He serves as director of the National Center for Research on Gifted Education, director of the Renzulli Center for Creativity, Gifted Education, and Talent Development, and director of the GCT@UConn (a.k.a. Three Summers Program).

John Burrell is a third-year doctoral student at the Renzulli Center for Creativity, Giftedness, and Talent Development at the University of Connecticut, currently serving as a research assistant on Project EAGLE, a $2.9 million project developing a dynamic approach to equitably identify gifted English Learners (ELs). John’s research interests include executive functions and study skills, mathematical education, self and identity, and conceptions of giftedness and talent development. In line with his belief that research and teaching are mutually reinforcing endeavors, John serves on the faculty of the Andover Summer Program at Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts. John has nine years of experience teaching middle school and high math, science, and study skills.

Talbot Hook is a fourth-year doctoral candidate in the Giftedness, Creativity, and Talent Development program. He splits his time between Project Bump Up and Project EAGLE. He also does TA work for EPSY 5710: Introduction to Gifted Education and Talent Development. His research interests are in mindfulness, technology, and conceptual issues in gifted education.

Kenneth Wright is currently the dean of Talcott Mountain Academy and Science Center, a k-8 private school specializing in advanced academics and gifted and talented education. He holds a PhD in educational psychology from the University of Connecticut, a master’s degree in counseling, and a bachelor’s degree in social studies and secondary education.