Many students struggle with organization (losing assignments or materials), time management (procrastinating or underestimating how long tasks take), working memory (holding multiple instructions in mind), and task initiation (getting started on difficult or unfamiliar work). Some students also have difficulty with planning multi-step projects, shifting between tasks, or managing distractions. These challenges often show up as incomplete homework, missed deadlines, or difficulty keeping track of materials—even when students understand the actual academic content.

In a classroom with an 11.7:1 student-teacher ratio, teachers focus on delivering content to the whole group and may not have time to teach individualized organizational systems or work habits. Personalized instruction allows tutors to assess exactly where a student struggles—whether it's planning, task breakdown, or follow-through—and teach strategies tailored to that student's learning style and specific challenges. This one-on-one approach also creates accountability and practice opportunities that reinforce new habits until they become automatic.

During an initial session, a tutor will typically assess a student's current strengths and challenges through conversation and observation—asking about homework routines, how they approach projects, what tools they use (or don't use), and where breakdowns happen. The tutor may also review how the student organizes materials or approaches a sample task. This diagnostic helps identify which executive functioning skills to focus on and what strategies will work best for that individual student.

Progress shows up in concrete, observable ways: assignments turned in on time, improved grades, fewer lost materials, ability to start tasks without prompting, and more accurate time estimates for projects. Many students also report feeling less stressed and more confident about managing their workload. Tutors track progress by monitoring whether a student consistently uses new strategies, completes multi-step tasks independently, and applies skills across different subjects and contexts—not just during tutoring sessions.

Elementary students are expected to follow multi-step directions, organize materials, and manage simple daily routines. By middle school, students need stronger planning skills for longer-term projects, better time management for multiple classes, and the ability to track assignments across subjects. High school demands independent project management, self-advocacy, and metacognitive skills—thinking about how they think and learn. Executive functioning tutoring is tailored to grade-level expectations, helping students build skills they need right now while preparing them for the next level.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in executive functioning and understand the specific needs of students in Madison schools. You can share details about your student's challenges, grade level, and goals, and we'll match you with a tutor who has experience teaching the skills your student needs. The process is straightforward—once matched, you can start working together at a pace that fits your schedule.

Parents can reinforce tutoring by creating consistent routines, using visual systems (checklists, calendars, labeled bins), breaking tasks into smaller steps, and allowing natural consequences when appropriate. Asking guiding questions like "What's your first step?" or "When do you need to start?" helps students think through planning rather than doing it for them. Tutors often share specific strategies to use at home, creating alignment between tutoring sessions and daily life so skills transfer and stick.