Advertise on podcast: Setting the Standard

Why can a preschooler follow simple directions but struggle with waiting their turn? Why do middle school students remember every detail about their favorite athlete yet forget to bring a pencil to class? And why does it sometimes feel like teenagers' brains are under construction? In this episode of Setting the Standard, veteran educators Jared Mills and Danielle Gillespie explore how executive functioning skills develop from infancy through young adulthood. Using relatable stories from the classroom, the basketball court, and everyday family life, they explain what children are developmentally capable of at each stage—and why patience, coaching, and realistic expectations matter. In this episode, you'll learn: How executive functioning skills emerge from infancy and continue developing into a person's mid-20s. What executive functioning looks like during the preschool, elementary, middle school, and young adult years. Why adolescents often struggle with planning, organization, impulse control, and long-term projects. How the developing prefrontal cortex shapes behavior and decision-making. Why challenging behaviors are often signs of developing skills—not character flaws. Practical ways parents and educators can use "scaffolding" to help children build independence and confidence over time. Whether you're a parent wondering if your child's behavior is age-appropriate, an educator looking for research-based strategies, or someone interested in how the brain develops, this episode offers practical insights that will change the way you view learning, behavior, and growth. Join us as we unpack the science behind executive functioning development and discover how shifting from frustration to understanding can help every child—and every adult—reach their full potential.

Episode 1: Executive Functioning 101 – Understanding Your Brain's Command Center What if the biggest obstacle to success isn't laziness—but understanding how the brain actually works? In the premiere episode of Setting the Standard, veteran educators Jared Mills and Danielle Gillespie unpack the fascinating world of executive functioning—the mental skills that help us plan, organize, focus, regulate emotions, manage time, and follow through on our goals. Whether you're a teacher, parent, coach, or simply someone trying to understand yourself better, this episode provides a practical introduction to the brain's "command center." You'll discover: What executive functioning is and why it doesn't fully develop until our mid-20s. The 10 essential executive functioning skills and how they influence learning, work, and everyday life. Why people can excel in some executive functioning skills while struggling in others. The powerful connection between dopamine, motivation, and task initiation. The critical difference between executive dysfunction and laziness—and why that distinction changes everything for educators, parents, and individuals. Filled with relatable stories, research-backed insights, and practical takeaways, this episode lays the foundation for understanding why we do what we do—and how we can better support ourselves and the students in our lives. Join us as we begin exploring how understanding the brain can transform the classroom, the home, and everyday life. Because when experience meets inspiration, everyone has the opportunity to thrive.