When your child begins executive function coaching, you’re likely feeling hopeful, but also a bit uncertain.
You want to believe it will help with the procrastination, lost assignments, and constant stress. But you might find yourself wondering:
How will I know if the executive function coaching is working?
According to Kathi Gould, one of our experienced Education Specialists (and a former classroom teacher and executive function coach), the answer starts with understanding what progress actually looks like.
“We need to understand that this is a process,” says Kathi. “Think of any habit you’ve ever tried to change or improve. It doesn’t happen overnight.”
So what does progress look like? And how can you, as a parent, spot the early signs that things are moving in the right direction?
Here’s what Kathi says to look for: both the subtle shifts and the concrete data points.
1. They’re Not Complaining About Sessions
If your child used to resist help and now they’re willingly logging in to coaching sessions?
That’s a win.
“It may sound small, it may sound silly, but it’s not,” says Kathi. “If they go right up to the room, sit down at their desk, log into the computer… it means they at least see some value, however small, and they’re willing to try it out.”
It’s one of the earliest and most encouraging clues that something is clicking.
2. You Notice Engagement (and Maybe Even Laughter!)
You don’t need to be in the room to sense when your child is connecting with their coach.
“If the coach tells you they were engaged, or you even hear them laughing or asking questions—that’s a big win,” Kathi says.
Engagement signals that your child is beginning to feel supported, rather than judged. And that shift in mindset opens the door to real progress.
3. They Start Trying New Strategies
Change often shows up in surprising ways, like your planner-resistant teen suddenly using their Notes app to track assignments.
“All of a sudden, your child who said, ‘I will never use a planner,’ comes up with some system to keep track,” explains Kathi. “It may not be a paper planner, but it’s a system that works for them.”
That willingness to try something new is a sign that your child is taking ownership and building skills that stick.
4. They Go into Sessions with a Plan
You may even hear your child say something like:
“I can’t wait to sit down with Tom today because I really want help with my five-paragraph essay.”
According to Kathi, this kind of statement is huge!
“It means they’re seeing the EF coach as a resource. They’re not just showing up. They’re planning what they want to accomplish. That’s real executive function growth.”
5. Grades Are Trending in the Right Direction
EF coaching isn’t just about improving GPAs, but over time, better habits will lead to better academic results.
“You want to look at things like grades,” says Kathi. “Are they moving, or at least trending, in the direction we want them to go?”
Keep in mind that improvement may not be immediate, but small gains over several weeks or months can accumulate.
6. You’re Seeing Progress in Session Notes
After each session, your coach sends detailed notes outlining what was covered and what’s ahead.
“You’ll see the goals they were working on, what they did to get there, and what’s planned for the next session,” Kathi explains. “Over time, you’ll start to notice a trend… almost like progress monitoring.”
The notes help you understand not just what your child is doing, but how they’re growing.
7. Teachers Are Noticing, Too
Finally, it’s worth checking in with your child’s teachers.
“They might say your student is initiating tasks more effectively,” says Kathi. “Or that there’s been a huge reduction in late assignments. Those are all great pieces of evidence.”
Sometimes, the best validation comes from someone outside the immediate family who’s seen your child struggle and is now seeing them succeed.
What Makes Our Executive Function Coaching Approach Different?
At Educational Connections, we utilize a research-based executive function curriculum to help students develop lifelong learning skills, rather than just short-term academic fixes.
Our coaching is fully virtual, allowing us to work one-on-one with students across the country and even abroad, from elementary school through college. Whether your child is just beginning to navigate school responsibilities or facing the demands of AP classes or college coursework, we tailor our support to meet their developmental needs.
Each student is matched with a trained coach who understands how to turn everyday academic struggles into opportunities for growth and independence.
Remember: It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint
Even with all these signs, it’s normal to feel unsure in the early weeks. Kathi reminds families that coaching takes time and patience.
“These are long-term goals that will be attained over time,” she says. “But it is effective.”
And you don’t have to navigate it alone. As your child’s progress unfolds, our team is here to support you, answer questions, and guide you every step of the way.
Want to Know If Coaching Is Right for Your Child?
If you’re wondering whether executive function coaching is working—or whether it’s the right fit for your child—book a free call with Kathi or one of our Education Specialists. We’ll provide you with honest, expert guidance based on years of experience helping students like yours.