Ep. 225: Moving Beyond Accommodations and Modifications to Cognitive Change for Academic Gains with Shelley Woon

This week on the podcast, we welcome Shelley Woon to the conversation. Shelley is a dedicated educator and school leader with over three decades of experience supporting students, families, and staff in overcoming learning challenges. She holds a Master of Education in Leadership, has specialized qualifications in Special Education and Reading, and serves as Head of School at Arrowsmith School and Superintendent of Special Education. Shelley values the brain-learning connection and is committed to helping others unlock their potential.

Shelley joins us to explore how we can move beyond compensatory strategies and actually strengthen cognitive function for students who have dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning challenges. We discuss why depending only on accommodations can actually limit students’ career opportunities and how interventions that are rooted in neuroplasticity can actually rewire the brain. She explains the Arrowsmith approach, which involves targeting cognitive weaknesses via specific exercises designed to create real, measurable improvements in reading, writing, and executive function.

We also take on common skepticism around cognitive training. With so many programs that promise miracles, how can parents and educators separate science-backed interventions from empty claims? Shelley shares research that supports neuroplasticity-based learning, and she gives us real-world success stories from students who have greatly improved their academic abilities through structured training.

Show Notes:

[2:52] - Shelley transitioned from focusing on accommodations to addressing cognitive challenges.
[4:15] - Accommodations help, but actual progress comes from strengthening cognitive skills.
[6:28] - Shelley discusses how ignoring learning disabilities can hinder careers and mental health, even with accommodations.
[8:51] - We learn that Arrowsmith identifies cognitive deficits and uses neuroplasticity-based exercises to improve reading and writing.
[10:04] - Shelley explains how neuroplasticity enables the brain to rewire itself.
[13:52] - Addressing learning difficulties requires not just accommodations but also cognitive training.
[15:01] - The Arrowsmith program develops cognitive functions by integrating supportive technology.
[18:53] - Cognitive training can improve executive functioning, but programs like Arrowsmith are and should be evidence-based,
[21:52] - It is reiterated that the Arrowsmith program improves learning capacity using neuroplasticity for academic and cognitive success.
[23:02] - In Arrowsmith classrooms, Shelley discusses, students engage in individualized cognitive exercises customized to their needs.
[25:52] - Shelley further explains that teachers guide students with personalized feedback.
[27:33] - Education is evolving with neuroplasticity and integrating technology.
[29:14] - Improving cognitive functions can improve multiple skills, sometimes yielding unexpected benefits in daily life.
[31:33] - We learn how cognitive training such as sports practice requires mastering basic skills.
[35:23] - Shelley shares how she can be contacted online.

Links and Related Resources:

• Unleashing the Power of Neuroplasticity (Webinar Series)

• Shelley Woon - “Overcoming Dysgraphia and Dyslexia with Neuroplasticity”

• Barbara Arrowsmith-Young - The Woman Who Changed Her Brain: How I Left My Learning Disability Behind and Other Stories of Cognitive Transformation

Connect with Us:

• Get on our Email List

• Book a Consultation

• Get Support and Connect with a ChildNEXUS Provider

• Register for Our Self-Paced Mini Courses: Support for Parents Who Have Children with ADHD, Anxiety, or Dyslexia 

Connect with Shelley Woon:

• Arrowsmith’s Website

• Email: [email protected]