What are WPAs? WPAs stands for working memory, processing, and sustained attention, many students with learning challenges performance is inhibited due to weaknesses in WPAs. These skills are essential to achieving success and with direct intervention they can be enhanced or boosted to realize success in all arenas. ​ Working memory is the process of holding information in your brain long enough to use it. Understood.org describes it as the "mental sticky note we use to keep track of information until we need to use it." There is auditory working memory and visual/spatial working memory. In the classroom students are expected to use their working memory constantly through listening and following directions, maintaining focus and concentration, reading, solving math problems, and much more. ​ Processing speed is the rate at which someone can take in information, understand it, and react to it whether it be visually, auditory, or kinesthetically. Processing speed is not related to how intelligent one is, but it can affect the speed in which tasks are done. Slow processing speed can affect students of all ages and levels on tasks such as following multi-step directions, completed tests and assignments within a given time frame, note-taking, reading/math fluency, multi-step math problems, writing tasks, homework completion time, keeping up with conversations, and more. ​ Sustained attention is the ability to focus on a given activity for an extended amount of time in order to complete it despite any distractors. Cognifit.com explains, "Sustained attention is usually divided into vigilance (detecting the appearance of a stimulus) and concentration (focusing on the stimulus or activity). This important cognitive skill helps us efficiently and successfully carry out tasks and activities in our daily lives, especially those that take a long time to complete." Sustained attention is required of students across all subject areas and these expectations increase as they get older. It can be particularly hard for students with ADHD. ADDitude magazine paints a good picture of why sustained attention does not come naturally for our kids and some strategies to help. ​ There is much debate on whether one's skill level in these areas is set for life or if one can improve their WPAs skills through intentional, repetitive practice. We at TGlearn believe that these skills can be strengthened, and we can attest to that with first-hand experience and data. Check out our shop to see some of our favorite activities to target WPAs.

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