Workshop Beyond the Basics: More Strategies to Build Executive Function Skills with Sara Ward, Cognitive Connections Friday, March 6, 2026

Beyond the Basics: More Strategies to Build Executive Function Skills

Friday, March 6, 2026 • 9 a.m.–3 p.m. CT

Dive deeper into specific strategies to foster truly independent skills in students from grades 4–12.

Building on participants’ foundational knowledge of the 360 Thinking Program to improve executive functioning, this workshop explores how to teach effective study skills across school and home environments, how to support the executive function skills involved in written expression, and how to build students’ reading stamina and focus. Learn how to develop student motivation, increase students’ work stamina, and guide students in stretching their time horizons—how far into the future they can conceptualize, plan, and execute their daily tasks and long-term projects.

This session offers actionable tools that go beyond adult prompting and regulation of students—equipping students with the skills they need to plan ahead, monitor their progress, and follow through independently. Whether you're deepening your understanding or building on a prior training, you will leave with targeted strategies that can be implemented right away.

Audience

This workshop is for teachers, special educators, SLPs, OTs & administrators.

Location

ISACS Classroom • 55 West Wacker Dr #702, Chicago, IL
Travel Tips, Directions & Parking

Sarah Ward Cognitive Connections

Sarah Ward, MS, CCC/SLP has over 25 years of experience in the treatment of executive dysfunction. Ward is an internationally recognized expert on executive function and presents seminars on the programs and strategies she has developed with her co-director Kristen Jacobsen. Their 360 Thinking Executive Function Program received the Innovative Promising Practices Award from the National Organization CHADD. She has presented to over 1,800 schools and organizations worldwide. In recognition of their global influence in the field of twice-exceptional learning, Ward and Jacobsen were the honored recipients of the Nancy Tarshis Legacy Fellowship Award. Further solidifying their status as eminent figures in their field, they were named one of the Top 10 Professional Development Providers for 2023 by Education Technology Insights Magazine.

Sarah Ward

Virgin Hotels Chicago

203 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL

Reserve Your Room
$125/night*

*plus tax for single or double occupancy.

 Reserve by phone:
Call (312) 940-4400 and mention the ISACS Room Block to receive the discounted rate.

Rate is valid for the night of Thursday, March 5 & includes guest Wi-Fi, access to the hotel's gym, and one complimentary drink voucher per room.

Rooms must be booked before midnight, February 12. Room Block availability is limited and may be reached prior to deadline. We recommend booking as soon as possible. If you need a room with two beds or want to extend your stay, contact programinfo@isacs.org for assistance.

Virgin Hotels Chicago

School Credit Cards
 If your school plans to pay directly for your hotel with the school credit card, please contact karen@isacs.org several weeks before you arrival so your school representative can complete the hotel’s credit card authorization form to have charges billed to directly to the school’s credit card. 
Parking
Overnight Valet at the Virgin Hotel Chicago: $79/night (inclusive of tax).
Rates are subject to change. 

Other Parking: Parking is available at several area garages. We recommend using a parking app prior to your arrival such as spothero or parkwhiz for lower rates. 
Cancellation Policy Hotel cancellations must be made 48 hours prior to arrival to avoid one night room and tax charge.
Hotel Scam Alert ISACS does not reach out to attendees and sponsors directly to book hotel rooms. If you receive calls or emails from third-party companies, we recommend you do not provide these solicitors with any personal information including, but not limited to, making new or changing existing reservations and do not provide your credit card. If you have any doubt about the information that you are receiving regarding any ISACS room blocks, please contact programinfo@isacs.org.

Learn about the Virgin Hotel's complimentary Loyalty Program "The Know."

Registration Fee FAQs

$300 per person for ISACS members
$400 per person for non-members

  • Each attendee must enroll separately.
  • There is no group discount for this workshop.

Registration includes:

  Coffee & tea
  Continental Breakfast
  Lunch
  Refreshments

 Log in to enroll

Questions? Contact programinfo@isacs.org
ISACS may remove a registrant from an event if they do not follow the ISACS Policies & Disclaimers for Professional Learning Events.