PLL
Courses & Events
Executive Function & Reading Comprehension: Strategies for Supporting Complex Thinking in Literacy
3 graduate credits: Saint Michaelβs College
Dates: September 30 β November 18, 2026
Contact Hours: 45
Intended audience: primary through secondary educators
Location: Online
Instructor: Jim Calhoun, Ph.D
Cost: $1765.00 including 3 Graduate Credits / $900.00 without Graduate Credits
Course Duration:
8 Weeks
4 virtual/synchronous: Sept. 30, Oct. 14, 28, Nov. 18 – 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 processesβincluding working memory, cognitive flexibility, inhibition/attention, shifting cognitive set, goal-setting, and self-monitoringβimpact 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 studentsβ 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.
Voices From The Field
Milton Middle School Teacher
"Our PLL Literacy consultant is a master in the field of literacy and shared this knowledge in a kind and meaningful manner, elevating the work we are doing as teachers of literacy and creating a common language for how we talk about our readers, their needs, and goals. "
- Milton Middle School Teacher
Barton Academy Teacher
"Our PLL consultant did an excellent jobβshe clearly understood our perspectives and engaged meaningfully with our team."
- Barton Academy Teacher
Milton Middle School Teacher
"I regularly use the learning from PLL in my practice, from activities to profiles and assessments. "
- Milton Middle School Teacher
Milton Elementary School
"This profile work has been really wonderful, looking forward to seeing how it all works when we pilot it next year."
- Milton Elementary School
Carl Anderson Event Participant
"The presenter is extremely personable and knowledgeable about the subject matter, and used videos of student/class conferences strategically and in an engaging way. "
- Carl Anderson Event Participant
Carl Anderson Event Participant
"He pointed to really clear steps, reasons, tips, and examples for teachers to immediately integrate mentor texts into writing instruction. This will be helpful in my role as a coach by providing a very clear outline for teaching with these practices."
- Carl Anderson Event Participant
Carl Anderson Event Participant
"Carl's deep, deep knowledge of the topic was so inspiring. I particularly appreciated the way he guided us to experience writing as children would. Thank you so much for providing this opportunity. "
- Carl Anderson Event Participant
Carl Anderson Event Participant
"He pointed to really clear steps, reasons, tips, and examples for teachers to immediately integrate mentor texts into writing instruction. This will be helpful in my role as a coach by providing a very clear outline for teaching with these practices."
- Carl Anderson Event Participant
Carl Anderson Event Participant
"Carl's deep, deep knowledge of the topic was so inspiring. I particularly appreciated the way he guided us to experience writing as children would. Thank you so much for providing this opportunity. "
- Carl Anderson Event Participant
Jennifer Serravallo Event Participant
"Iβm motivated to try new strategies and start up things I have forgotten about or stopped doing in my practice."
- Jennifer Serravallo Event Participant
Jennifer Serravallo Event Participant
"I simply loved hearing Jennifer speak in person. I have used her resources for years and years. It was nice to hear her speak and give the reasons why behind her examples and resources."
- Jennifer Serravallo Event Participant
Jennifer Serravallo Event Participant
"Jennifer is a master! I loved watching the videos of her teaching in action. Her presentation was linked closely to her books, and Iβm eager to look at them again now that I have had the opportunity to hear her speak. I am excited to try a few of these ideas before the end of the year, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to plan how we can use more of her strategies next year."
- Jennifer Serravallo Event Participant
