What's Happening?
Diversified Education Services (DES) is providing executive function coaching specifically designed for gifted and twice-exceptional (2e) students. These students, often highly intelligent, may struggle with organizational skills, task initiation, time
management, and follow-through, leading to a disconnect between their academic potential and actual performance. DES coaches, who are experienced educators and special education certified, focus on building a strong relationship with the student to address these challenges. The coaching aims to help students manage responsibilities, make choices, and complete tasks even when they find the work uninteresting or repetitive. DES serves families in Greenwich, Fairfield County, Westchester, Manhattan, and South Florida, offering in-home, in-person, or online sessions. The service does not require a formal gifted designation or a diagnosis, focusing instead on the individual student's strengths and difficulties.
Why It's Important?
This specialized coaching addresses a critical gap in educational support for a unique student population. Gifted and 2e students often go misunderstood, as their intelligence can mask underlying executive function deficits, or their struggles can overshadow their giftedness. Without proper intervention, these students may develop poor study habits, disengage from school, and fail to reach their full academic and personal potential. The program's emphasis on mentorship and practical skill-building can empower these students to navigate academic demands more effectively, fostering independence and accountability. By coordinating with neuropsychologists, therapists, and school teams, DES aims to create a cohesive support system that aligns coaching with classroom and clinical efforts, ultimately improving educational outcomes and long-term success for these bright but often challenged learners.
What's Next?
DES continues to enroll students for fall executive function coaching in various locations, including Greenwich, Westchester, Manhattan, and Boca Raton, with limited slots available. Aron Boxer, M.Ed., S.P.E., handles the initial consultation calls for all families, indicating a personalized approach to intake. The ongoing availability of these services suggests a sustained effort to support gifted and 2e students in developing essential executive function skills. As more families become aware of the specific needs of gifted and twice-exceptional children, the demand for such specialized coaching is likely to grow, potentially leading to expansion of services or increased availability in other regions. The focus on practical, real-world application of skills within the student's actual coursework suggests a continuous, adaptive process tailored to individual progress.
Beyond the Headlines
The challenges faced by gifted and twice-exceptional students highlight broader issues within the educational system, which often struggles to cater to students who fall outside traditional academic profiles. The emphasis on executive function coaching underscores the understanding that intelligence alone is not sufficient for academic success; skills like organization, planning, and self-regulation are equally crucial. This approach also challenges the common misconception that highly intelligent students should inherently excel in all areas without support. Furthermore, the program's flexibility in not requiring formal diagnoses or labels suggests a more inclusive and student-centered approach to education, recognizing that individual needs can exist regardless of official classifications. This model could influence how schools and other educational services identify and support diverse learners, promoting a more holistic view of student development.
