Empower Young People by Reframing the Conversation

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
  • Has difficulty starting and/or completing tasks
  • Has trouble prioritizing tasks
  • Gets easily distracted
  • Has difficulty following directions
  • Panics when instructions or routines change
  • Has trouble switching from one task to the next
  • Becomes overly emotional and fixating on things
  • Struggles with absenteeism
  • Has behavioral issues
  • Has difficulty organizing their thoughts
  • Has difficulty keeping track of their stuff
  • Has difficulty managing their time

This person may have Executive Function challenges and just need to be engaged in a different way in order to be successful.


Executive Function involves the ability to focus, plan, organize, prioritize, not procrastinate, stay motivated, not get distracted or off track and wrap up any task or activity in one’s personal life, living situation life, social life, academia life, and eventually the workplace life. Self-accountability, self-advocation and self-regulation can be challenges.

The Good News

The problem has nothing to do with a person’s intelligence. Rather, it has everything to do with their Executive Function skills which can be developed and implemented with the right approach.

How Can Educators, Parents, and Caregivers Engage Young People with Executive Function Challenges?

The key to supporting toddlers, adolescents, and young adults with Executive Function challenges is to reframe your conversations with them to develop a trusting relationship that leads to more engagement by the student. Rather than directing the individual on what they should do, studies have shown that it is far more effective to empower the young person to develop a plan for themselves and take ownership of it. Shifting your mindset and learning how to lead conversations through a coaching lens will improve engagement and help the young person succeed in school, home, work, and relationships.

How Does the Edge Coaching Methodology Work?

Edge’s model uses a non-directive questioning technique to draw out a description and analysis of the problem being addressed, the young person’s goal, alternative strategies, and which strategy he or she wants to pursue in the coming week. This training will equip you with the skills and tools to build rapport and act as a coach in your conversations with young people in this way. Not only does Edge’s approach support the young person in leaving your conversation with total ownership of the problem, the goal, and the strategy to be used in the coming week, but it also strengthens their agency in life more broadly. Even if the strategy they select proves to be ineffective, Edge teaches you how to acknowledge it and coach the young person to determine a different strategy to pursue. This develops perseverance and resilience.

There are 4 elements of the Edge Coaching approach that help make it so transformative.

Use the knowledge and methods of a highly trained coach when working one-on-one with a student.

The student directs the coaching conversation, not you. You as the coach instead ask, “what is new for you this week?” Whatever the answer, the student decides what to focus on and that becomes the agenda for the coaching conversation. The student is in command.

You as the coach use Edge’s non-directive questioning technique. This doesn’t direct the student, but instead draws out a description and analysis of the problem being addressed, the young person’s goal, alternative strategies, and which strategy he or she wants to pursue in the coming week. The young person leaves the coaching conversation with total ownership of the problem, the goal, and the strategy to be used in the coming week.

Edge’s methodology is most effective when you are having regular conversations with young people (approximately every week or every other week). That way, if the strategy selected for the past week was ineffective, that is acknowledged, and you as the coach guide the young person to determine a different strategy. This develops perseverance and resilience.

Taking an Edge training course is a cost-effective way for schools, organizations, and individuals including parents, mentors and caregivers to learn to deal with some of their biggest challenges.

Research Based

The most recent of several studies of Edge’s effectiveness, a three-year 250-student study, conducted by the University of Washington.

95.6%

of students had a more positive attitude about school

80.2%

of students had increased confidence (self-efficacy)

94.8%

of students were more positive about skills learned (growth mindset)

78.3%

of students felt better prepared for high school

Learn the tools and techniques to engage young people and set them up for success.

DATE

October 9 – 10, 2024

TIME

9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

LOCATION

10455 E 6th Ave #150, Lakewood, CO 80215

PRICE

$390
Value

*Scholarships available based on financial need

CAN’T ATTEND?

Does something about this event (date, time, cost, etc.) not work for you? Contact us at  [email protected] to see how we can help.

Help Neurodiverse Learners Develop the Edge They Need to Succeed

Join us for a comprehensive two-day coach training designed to equip staff of schools, community organizations, and parents with the skills, tools, and techniques to connect with and support youth facing Executive Function challenges. We’ll provide you with a solid understanding of Executive Function, with the tools (the Edge Model) essential to effectively communicate with and connect with students, and with the training needed to provide one-to-one coaching. This training is hosted by the Edge Foundation, the leader in providing Executive Function coaching and coach training.

“…a natural fit with our work to help students take ownership of their learning and progress toward their academic goals.”
Jeff Petty
Principal, Big Picture High School

Anyone who works with or cares for young people with Executive Function challenges and wants to see those individuals succeed would benefit from learning Edge coaching tools and techniques including:

  • Parents with Neurodiverse Learners
  • Parents with kids who have ADHD, are twice exceptional, who have experienced childhood trauma
  • Mentors of the same
  • Caregivers of the same
  • Staff in schools* including
    • Student Support Services
    • School Administrators
    • Principals
    • Teachers
    • Professional Development Coordinators
    • Adjunct School Staff Workers
    • Special Needs Teachers
    • Guidance Counselors
    • Paraprofessionals and Other Non-Certified Staff and Personnel
    • School Superintendents
  • Alumni of schools
  • Volunteers in schools
  • Foster Parents
  • Foster Agency Staff
  • Staff, mentors and volunteers of Agencies Working with Troubled Youths
  • Juvenile Detention Staff
  • Parole Officers
  • Judges, Court Staff, and Diversion Program Personnel
  • Clinicians, counselors and Therapists and Who Work with Kids
  • Staff, mentors and volunteers of after school agencies
  • Agencies that work with homeless youth and adults
  • Agencies that work with youth addiction services

*For Colorado teachers, this training is CEU eligible.

If your organization is interested in a private training session, please inquire here.  

89% of students showed attendance improvement year-over-year after receiving Edge coaching

Schools with staff employing Edge Coaching have achieved a 95% graduation rate

Students exhibit up to a 48% reduction in problem behaviors and disciplinary actions

Students participating in Edge coaching show as high as a 0.85 GPA increase

“This is a powerful course with so many excellent tools that can be applied not only in our work, but these are great life skills as well.”
  • Enhanced Understanding: Gain insights into Executive Function challenges and how they affect youth of all ages.
  • Practical Strategies: Learn effective communication techniques, intervention strategies, and conversation frameworks.
  • Hands-On Training: Engage in interactive sessions and real-world scenarios.
  • Supportive Network: Connect with a group of like-minded professionals and parents.
  • Professional Growth: Receive a training manual and certificate upon completion.
  • Continuing Education Unit: For Colorado teachers, this training is CEU eligible.

What’s Included?

  • Lunch Provided: Enjoy complimentary lunch each day.
  • Training Manual: Take home a comprehensive guide to continue your learning journey.
  • Edge Certification: Earn a certificate to showcase your expertise and enhance your resume.

Limited Spots Available

We have a very limited number of spots available.  Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make a monumental impact on the young adults struggling with Executive Function challenges in your life.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

QUESTIONS?

For more information, please contact us at [email protected] or call 206.632.9497.

The Edge Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit charitable organization that works with schools, colleges and community youth groups and parents, mentors and caregivers to bring one-on-one coaches to students across the country. We specialize in providing coaching and training to support youth with Executive Function challenges. Our mission is to empower educators, parents, and community leaders to make a positive impact in the lives of young people.

Follow us on social media for updates and more information.