Tier 3:
Executive Function Specialist Practicum & Mastery
Move from applied practice to recognized specialist-level executive function mastery.
Tier 3: Executive Function Specialist Practicum & Mastery is a 12-week advanced practicum experience with mentorship for professionals ready to apply executive function assessment, intervention planning, case reasoning, and intervention refinement within their own student or client caseload.
As the advanced practicum and recognition level of the Seeds of Learning® Executive Function Specialization Pathway, Tier 3 is designed to help qualified therapists, educators, and intervention professionals demonstrate specialist-level competency using the SEFF framework. Graduate credit through Ashland University is included. Participants who successfully complete all Tier 3 requirements earn the SEFF-CE credential and qualify for inclusion in the Seeds of Learning® Specialist Directory.
Download the Seeds of Learning® Executive Function Specialization Pathway Participant Informational Packet for more details.
Tier 3 is where applied executive function practice becomes specialist-level professional competency.
Advanced Practicum
90 hours of applied executive function practicum connected to your own professional context.
Final Demonstration
Demonstrate specialist-level reasoning through an advanced final competency assessment.
University-Backed Graduate Credit
Graduate credit through Ashland University is included.
SEFF-CE + Directory Qualification
Successful completion of all Tier 3 requirements earns the SEFF-CE credential and qualifies participants for inclusion in the Seeds of Learning® Specialist Directory.
Advanced EF practice requires more than knowing what to do. It requires knowing why, when,
and how to adjust.
By the time professionals reach Tier 3, they may understand the SEFF framework and feel more confident identifying executive function patterns, prioritizing needs, and building intervention plans.
But advanced practice asks for more.
It asks you to apply that reasoning with your own students or clients.
To interpret complex patterns across real settings and real demands.
To explain evaluation findings clearly.
To connect executive function needs to learning, communication, behavior, independence, and academic performance.
To build and refine a Cognitive Ladder.
To develop treatment plans that are specific, realistic, and responsive.
To observe initial sessions and adjust based on what is actually happening.
To identify barriers that interfere with progress.
To strengthen independence rather than simply support task completion.
To answer questions about your reasoning with depth and flexibility.
That is where Tier 3 lives.
Tier 3 helps professionals move from supported application into advanced practicum-based mastery.
Tier 3 is the bridge between applied practice and specialist-level competency.
Applied understanding
- I can identify EF patterns.
- I can explain the framework.
- I can build a support plan with guidance.
Practicum-based mastery
- I can apply the framework with my own caseload.
- I can make nuanced decisions.
- I can adapt intervention in real time.
- I can explain and defend my reasoning.
Specialist-level practice
- I can demonstrate advanced competency.
- I can manage complex cases.
- I can support teams with clarity.
- I can represent EF practice with professional legitimacy.
A 12-week advanced practicum experience with mentorship, case consultation, graduate credit, and competency demonstration.
Tier 3 Completion Includes:
90 practicum hours
Advanced final demonstration
Graduate credit through Ashland University
SEFF-CE credential upon successful completion
Qualification for the Seeds of Learning® Specialist Directory
Renewal-based active directory status
Select + Assess
Week 1: Practicum Orientation + Case Selection
Choose an appropriate student/client case and clarify practicum expectations.
Week 2: Practicum Assessment Planning
Outline assessment development for the practicum case and identify what information is needed to understand the EF profile.
Week 3: Practicum Cognitive Ladder Planning
Begin developing the Cognitive Ladder to connect current functioning, EF needs, intervention priorities, and meaningful next steps.
Plan + Begin Implementation
Week 4: Intervention Planning
Develop an individualized intervention plan grounded in the SEFF framework and the selected case’s needs.
Week 5: Initial Session Observations
Observe and document the early implementation process, including student/client response, barriers, and emerging needs.
Week 6: Reflection and Adjustment
Reflect on initial implementation and adjust the plan based on response, setting, and functional demands.
Deepen + Strengthen
Week 7: Deepening Implementation
Continue applying the intervention plan with greater intentionality, flexibility, and case-specific refinement.
Week 8: Identifying Barriers
Identify barriers that interfere with progress and determine how to adjust support, expectations, or intervention focus.
Week 9: Strengthening Independence
Refine intervention so support moves beyond task completion toward self-direction, independence, and generalization.
Demonstrate + Synthesize
Week 10: Case Study Development
Organize practicum work into a clear case study that demonstrates assessment reasoning, EF connections, Cognitive Ladder development, intervention planning, implementation, and adjustment.
Week 11: Final Reflection + Synthesis
Synthesize learning, reflect on professional growth, and prepare to explain case decisions with clarity and depth.
Week 12: Final Demonstration
Complete the final demonstration of advanced practicum-based executive function competency.
Executive Function Specialist Practicum
- Name
- Tier 3 — Executive Function Specialist Practicum
- Primary focus
- Demonstrate specialist-level practice
- Format
- Mentored practicum (virtual with in-person options)
- Length
- 12 weeks
- Graduate credit
- 6 graduate credits
- Mentorship
- Five 1-on-1 consultations with a Seeds of Learning therapist + three 1-on-1 consultations with Tera Sumpter
- Competency demonstration
- Own-caseload case study, practicum hours, and live mentor case defense
- Recognition
- Certificate of Achievement in Advanced Executive Function Practice + SEFF-CE endorsement + inclusion in specialist directory + alumni community member option at reduced price
- Cost
- $3,500
Tier 3 gives participants repeated opportunities to apply, refine, and demonstrate advanced EF reasoning.
Specialist-Level EF Practice
- Select Case
- Plan Assessment
- Build EF Connections
- Develop Cognitive Ladder
- Plan Intervention
- Implement and Observe
- Reflect and Adjust
- Identify Barriers
- Deepen Implementation
- Develop Case Study
- Demonstrate Competency
Tier 3 gives participants repeated opportunities to apply, refine, and demonstrate advanced EF reasoning.
Practicum-based application
Tier 3 centers on your own student or client cases. Participants apply the SEFF framework in an authentic educational or therapeutic context while developing documentation, intervention planning, case reasoning, implementation reflections, and a final case study.
Mentorship and consultation
Participants receive 1:1 consultation meetings with a Seeds of Learning therapist. These meetings are designed to support case reasoning, treatment refinement, problem-solving, reflection, and professional growth.
Note: Tier 3 provides mentorship and consultation. It is not direct supervision of services.
Completion reflects demonstrated competency
Tier 3 concludes with an advanced final demonstration. Participants present their practicum case, explain evaluation findings, connect those findings to executive function needs, develop and explain a Cognitive Ladder, present an intervention plan, discuss initial session observations, reflect on adjustments, and respond to questions about future therapy or intervention planning.
Graduate credit, credential, and directory qualification
Graduate credit through Ashland University is included. Participants who successfully complete all Tier 3 requirements earn the SEFF-CE credential and qualify for inclusion in the Seeds of Learning® Specialist Directory.
How to know if tier 3 is right for you!
Tier 3 is for professionals who are ready to apply the SEFF framework at a deeper level with their own student or client caseload. This advanced practicum experience is designed for participants who are prepared to analyze complex EF patterns, make nuanced intervention decisions, reflect on implementation, adjust support, strengthen independence, and demonstrate competency through case-based application.
As the advanced practicum and recognition level of the Executive Function Specialization Pathway, Tier 3 is application-based to ensure participants are ready for the responsibility of specialist-level executive function practice.
Tier 3 may be a strong fit if you want to:
Apply EF assessment and intervention with your own student or client cases
Receive individualized mentorship while refining your case reasoning
Plan assessment development for a practicum case
Build and explain a Cognitive Ladder
Develop and adjust an individualized treatment plan
Observe implementation and identify barriers
Strengthen student/client independence
Develop a final case study
Demonstrate advanced competency through a final demonstration
Earn graduate credit through Ashland University as part of the experience
Earn the SEFF-CE credential upon successful completion
Qualify for inclusion in the Seeds of Learning® Specialist Directory after successful completion
Tier 3 may not be the best fit yet if you are looking for:
A beginner overview of executive function
A self-paced course
Quick strategies or pre-made activities
Introductory SEFF framework instruction
Applied practice without a final competency assessment
Mentorship without case implementation
Directory inclusion without practicum-based demonstration
If you are not yet ready for advanced practicum work, Tier 1 or Tier 2 may be the better next step.
Ready to demonstrate specialist-level executive function practice?
TIER 3 PROGRAM COST
Includes:
12-week advanced practicum experience
90 hours of applied executive function practicum
Graduate credit through Ashland University
1:1 consultation meetings with a Seeds of Learning therapist
Practicum application with your own student or client case
Practicum assessment planning
Cognitive Ladder planning
Intervention planning and implementation reflection
Case study development
Final demonstration
Documentation of completion
SEFF-CE credential upon successful completion
Qualification for inclusion in the Seeds of Learning® Specialist Directory upon successful completion
How to Apply
Step 1: Submit your application when Tier 3 opens in Fall 2026
Tell us about your professional background, previous EF training, experience with the SEFF framework, current student/client population, and goals for Tier 3.
Step 2: Readiness review
The Seeds of Learning team will review your application to determine whether Tier 3 is the appropriate next step.
Step 3: Case selection guidance
Accepted participants will receive guidance on selecting an appropriate student or client case for practicum application.
Step 4: Enrollment invitation
Accepted applicants will receive enrollment details, payment information, graduate credit information, credential pathway information, and next steps.
Step 5: Begin Tier 3 (tentatively scheduled to run from February 1 - April 26, 2027)
Once enrolled, participants will receive access to program materials, consultation scheduling information, orientation details, and practicum expectations.
This is where applied executive function practice becomes recognized specialist-level professional competency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to complete Tier 2 before applying for Tier 3?
Tier 3 is designed for professionals who have already developed foundational and applied knowledge of the SEFF framework. Successful completion of Tier 2 is required. The application process will help determine whether Tier 3 is the appropriate next step.
Is Tier 3 a self-paced course?
No. Tier 3 is not a self-paced course. It is a structured 12-week advanced practicum experience that includes 90 applied EF practicum hours, 1:1 consultation, case implementation, reflection, case study development, graduate credit through Ashland University, and a final demonstration.
How many practicum hours are required?
Tier 3 includes 90 hours of applied executive function practicum connected to the participant’s professional context.
Is graduate credit included?
Yes. Graduate credit through Ashland University is included as part of Tier 3.
What are the weekly topics?
The weekly topics are Practicum Orientation + Case Selection, Practicum Assessment Planning, Practicum Cognitive Ladder Planning, Intervention Planning, Initial Session Observations, Reflection and Adjustment, Deepening Implementation, Identifying Barriers, Strengthening Independence, Case Study Development, Final Reflection + Synthesis, and Final Demonstration.
Who is Tier 3 for?
Tier 3 is designed for SLPs, educators, intervention specialists, educational therapists, learning specialists, school-based professionals, and private practice clinicians who are ready to apply executive function assessment and intervention with their own student or client caseload.
Is Tier 3 only for SLPs?
No. Tier 3 is designed for both clinical and educational professionals. The focus is advanced executive function reasoning across real learning, communication, academic, behavioral, and functional needs.
What makes Tier 3 different from Tier 2?
Tier 2 focuses on applied practice, assessment interpretation, treatment planning, and case-based reasoning. Tier 3 moves into advanced practicum-based application with your own student or client case. Participants complete 90 hours of applied EF practicum, receive additional mentorship, develop a final case study, and complete a final demonstration.
What does the practicum include?
The practicum includes 90 hours of applied executive function work connected to your professional context. This may include case selection, assessment planning, Cognitive Ladder planning, intervention planning, implementation, observation, documentation, reflection, consultation preparation, treatment refinement, barrier identification, independence-building, case study development, and final demonstration preparation.
Will someone directly supervise my sessions?
No. Tier 3 provides mentorship and consultation, not direct supervision. Participants are responsible for working within their own professional scope of practice, employment setting, licensure requirements, and ethical guidelines.
What is included in the 1:1 consultation?
Participants receive seven 1:1 consultation meetings with a Seeds of Learning therapist. These meetings are designed to help participants refine case reasoning, interpret patterns, develop treatment plans, troubleshoot implementation, reflect on student/client response, and prepare for the final demonstration.
What is the final demonstration?
The final demonstration is the culminating competency assessment for Tier 3. Participants present their own student or client case and explain evaluation findings, executive function connections, Cognitive Ladder development, intervention planning, initial session observations, reflection and adjustment, barriers, independence-building, and future intervention decisions. Participants also respond to mentor questions to demonstrate depth, flexibility, and applied reasoning.
Will I receive a certificate?
Participants who successfully complete all Tier 3 requirements receive documentation of completion, graduate credit through Ashland University, and the SEFF-CE credential.
Is Tier 3 connected to SEFF-CE?
Yes. Participants who successfully complete all Tier 3 requirements earn the SEFF-CE credential.
Does Tier 3 qualify me for the Seeds of Learning® Specialist Directory?
Yes. Participants who successfully complete all Tier 3 requirements qualify for inclusion in the Seeds of Learning® Specialist Directory. Active directory status may require renewal every 2–3 years.
Will the directory help with referrals or professional visibility?
The Seeds of Learning® Specialist Directory is designed to increase professional visibility by helping families, schools, referral sources, employers, and colleagues identify professionals who have completed advanced practicum-based training in the SEFF framework. It may be especially valuable for private practice professionals, school-based specialists, and clinicians seeking to demonstrate additional executive function training.
Will I need to renew my directory status?
Participants listed in the Seeds of Learning® Specialist Directory will be required to complete a renewal process every 2–3 years to remain active. The renewal process may include a current case write-up, documentation of continued engagement with the Seeds of Learning EF community, or another streamlined demonstration of ongoing professional practice.
What if I am not sure whether I am ready?
The application process is designed to help determine whether Tier 3 is the right next step. If Tier 3 is not the best fit yet, we may recommend completing Tier 2 or additional preparation before beginning advanced practicum work.