Effortful Control vs. Executive Functioning and Why it Matters
When it comes to early ed, what’s the difference between effortful control and executive functioning? Does it matter? Do they mean the same thing?
Effortful Control (EC) is one of three predictors of academic success.¹ In the Active View of Reading model, Executive Functioning (EF) is a core component of reading proficiency.² According to a study published by the American Psychological Association, EF skills are more critical for kindergarten readiness than entry-level reading, math, or even intelligence.³
So what is the difference?
According to the Executive Function Mapping Project, EF is primarily in the cognitive domain, while EC is primarily emotional. The attached image illustrates the difference between the simple and complex skills contained in each. Understanding skill complexity enables schools to target the right sub-components of each domain. This project further explains:
“Programs designed to build a single, simple skill should not be expected to have the same impact as programs designed to target multiple or more complex skills. For example, a program designed to build attention and working memory should not be expected to build more complex, multi-faceted skills such as emotion regulation or self-control.”
The fact is that there is a meaningful difference between Effortful Control and Executive Functioning. Why does this difference matter? Harvard University's Stephanie Jones explains:
“Without precisely and carefully aligning EF, EC, and other regulation-regulated skills, policy-makers, practitioners, and other stakeholders run the risk of generating incomplete or unrealistic approaches to skill-building and assessment, thereby undermining efforts designed to improve outcomes for the country’s most vulnerable children.”⁴
Identifying and defining the skills that make up each key term determine instruction and intervention strategies that lead to the development of those skills.
Although this may seem overly technical, taking the time as a school district to evaluate your approach to developing these skills and ensuring the appropriate measures and interventions are in place can have an enormous impact. Our young learners are worth it!
About AskMeno
AskMeno is dedicated to helping early-childhood leaders build the foundational oral language and social skills necessary for their young scholars’ reading comprehension and emotional wellbeing. AskMeno provides a play-based, teacher-facilitated supplemental curriculum that systematically and explicitly develops oral language and social skills through scaffolded, fun, and engaging learning activities.
