Teachers care deeply about helping students succeed—not just academically, but emotionally and socially, too. When a student is struggling, especially with things like organization or completing work, educators don’t jump to conclusions. Instead, they ask thoughtful questions like: What’s really going on? How can I help?
For example, a student who forgets homework or seems disorganized might have challenges with executive function—the mental skills that help us plan, focus, remember instructions, and manage tasks. But before assuming this is the cause, teachers consider other possibilities:
Learning difficulties – Maybe the student avoids turning in homework because they feel embarrassed or overwhelmed by the subject matter.
Anxiety or stress – Feeling constantly worried can make it hard for students to focus, stay organized, or transition smoothly between tasks.
Depression – A depressed student may seem disinterested or unmotivated, not because they don’t care, but because they’re emotionally drained.
Trauma – Some students carry invisible emotional burdens from difficult life experiences. This “emotional backpack” can affect memory, motivation, relationships, and learning.
Only after considering these factors can teachers begin to explore whether executive function challenges are truly at the root of the problem. It's a process of care and curiosity—because every student is unique, and every behavior has a story behind it.
Summary:
The BRIEF®2 is a standardized questionnaire used by psychologists, educators, and clinicians to better understand a child's executive functioning—the mental skills we use for things like paying attention, remembering instructions, controlling emotions, organizing tasks, and managing time. It is completed by parents, teachers, and sometimes the student themselves (if they are old enough), giving a complete picture of how a child manages daily responsibilities both at home and at school.
Purpose:
The purpose of the BRIEF®2 is to identify a child’s strengths and challenges in executive functioning, which are crucial for success in school and daily life. It helps determine:
Whether a child struggles with attention, impulse control, emotional regulation, or organization.
How these difficulties may impact learning, behavior, and relationships.
Whether supports or interventions are needed—either in school or at home.
Why It Matters for Your Child:
Children with executive functioning challenges may have difficulty staying organized, starting or completing homework, remembering routines, or keeping emotions in check. The BRIEF®2 helps us understand why a child might be struggling and guides us in choosing the right supports, such as classroom strategies, therapy, or accommodations.