Executive functions aren't what you thought

I seem to recall being told that the mainland European school systems spend the first year(s) of schooling in developing the skills of children in areas related to behaviour and personal self-discipline in order to lay foundations for better learning later on. Research in Vancouver seems to be indicating that this strategy may be well-founded it relies on promoting "executive functions (EFs) that depend on the prefrontal cortex area of the brain... resisting distraction, considering responses before speaking, mentally holding and using information, and mental flexibility to “think outside the box.”"
The research indicates that "“EFs are critical for success in school and life. The skills are rarely taught, but can be, even to preschoolers. It could make a huge difference, especially for disadvantaged children,"
Pre-school Program Shown To Improve Key Cognitive Functions, Self-control: