3 graduate credits: Saint Michael’s College
Dates: October 1 – November 19, 2025
Contact Hours: 45
Intended audience: primary through secondary educators
Location: Online
Instructor: Jim Calhoun, Ph.D
Cost: $1755.00 including 3 Graduate Credits / $900.00 without Graduate Credits
Course Duration:
- 8 Weeks
4 virtual/synchronous: Oct. 1, 15, 29, Nov. 19 – all 6:00 – 8:45 pm
4 asynchronous)
Course Description:
This course explores the intersection between executive function (EF) skills and reading comprehension. Students will examine how EF processes—including working memory, cognitive flexibility, inhibition/attention, shifting cognitive set, goal-setting, and self-monitoring—impact reading and learning. The course blends theory with practical strategies for assessment and instruction, equipping participants to support struggling readers and promote strategic comprehension in all learners.
Course Objectives:
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Define and describe the components of executive function.
- Analyze how executive function affects reading comprehension processes.
- Identify signs of executive dysfunction in literacy tasks.
- Identify interventions that strengthen EF skills to improve comprehension.
- Implement strategies for promoting goal setting, metacognition, and reading self-regulation.
- Integrate EF assessment tools into literacy instruction.
Required Texts and Materials:
- Reading:
- Meltzer, L. (2010). Promoting Executive Function in the Classroom.
- Cartwright, K. (2023). Executive Skills and Reading Comprehension
- Duke, N. & Cartwright, K. (2021). The Science of Reading: Supporting Early Literacy.
- Supplemental Readings:
- Peer-reviewed articles and handouts (provided as needed)
- Executive Function strategy guides (e.g., Harvard EF Toolkit)
Bio: James A. Calhoun, PhD.
Jim Calhoun is a licensed school psychologist and developmental psychologist with over 25 years of experience helping children and adolescents thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. He has extensive expertise in supporting students’ executive functioning, self-regulation, and literacy skills, working with learners from preschool through high school. As School Psychologist for the Lamoille South Supervisory Union since 1998, he provides assessments, counseling, behavioral consultation, and guidance to teachers and families, while also mentoring graduate interns. Dr. Calhoun has led autism training programs, taught graduate-level courses, and presented widely on executive function, social-emotional learning, literacy interventions, and trauma-informed practices. Passionate about creating inclusive, supportive learning environments, he is an active member of state and national professional organizations committed to advancing the success of all students.