Five Effective Ways to Cope With Stress

« Back  |  May 9, 2019 - ASU Prep Digital

Stress is a natural part of life. We experience it when we are feeling overwhelmed or when we’re dealing with new or unexpected obstacles. This is especially true when you’re navigating your teen years, trying to discover who you are and where you fit in the world.

While stress can sometimes be beneficial in pushing us through difficult situations and making us stronger, there are times when it takes a detrimental toll on both our mental and physical health.

Some common signs of stress negatively affecting you are:

  • Having trouble sleeping
  • Experiencing frequent headaches
  • Changes in appetite
  • Difficulty concentrating

While you may not be able to completely rid yourself of stress, there are ways to cope with it that enable you to continue moving forward without feeling like the weight of the world rests on your shoulders. Here are five effective ways to manage your stress:

Get more sleep.

It’s no secret that you function better when you get enough rest. According to the National Sleep Foundation, you should be getting anywhere from 8 to 10 hours of sleep a night. While it may be tempting to hit ‘yes’ when Netflix asks if you’re still watching or launch into a full-on meme war with your friends, consider reducing your screen time in exchange for more dream time.

Exercise.

When people tell you just 30 minutes a day of exercise makes a difference, they’re not lying! Getting active will greatly improve your mental and physical health, and the gym isn’t the only place you can get a good workout in. Try taking a dance or kickboxing class, or looking up YouTube videos you can follow along at home. One of our students discovered the power of yoga and shared how it has had a positive impact on her mental and physical well-being.

Eat healthier.

What you put into your body affects your mental health just as much as your physical health. Pay attention to what you eat and how it makes you feel. Do you experience more stress when eating processed foods? Are you jittery and anxious when you consume caffeine? Try cutting out foods and drinks that negatively impact your mood and fill your diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and water.

Invest time in your hobbies.

Sometimes you just need a break after the hustle and bustle of a long day or week, and this is where your hobbies come to the rescue. Make time to do the things you love because not only will it relieve stress, but it will also prevent you from completely burning out.

Open up.

Sometimes the best thing you can do to avoid feeling extremely overwhelmed is to talk about how you’re feeling. Stress can be a heavy burden to carry, especially if it’s stemming from or causing other feelings, such as loneliness or a sense of inadequacy. If you don’t feel comfortable talking to a professional, open up to a parent, a friend, or even a teacher you trust. There will always be someone who is willing to listen, but the first step is asking for help.

 

Check out the National Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health America for more information on stress and how to manage it effectively.

How One High School Student Has Taken Control of Her Education While Living With Depression

« Back  |  May 2, 2019 - ASU Prep Digital

 

Jane*, a 16-year-old sophomore, is like any other teenager. She enjoys spending time with family and friends and unwinding with hobbies such as performing and drawing. And, like any other teenager, she deals with obstacles that sometimes hinder her happiness, including her mental health.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 1 in 5 children aged 13-18 have, or will have, a serious mental illness. Jane has been living with depression since she was 13.

“Many people struggle with depression, and I know most teens have the same struggle as I do,” Jane said. “I was in seventh grade and life just began piling up. I had always struggled with sensory processing issues, but then it started to really take a toll on me. It felt worse at school because of loud students, crowded classrooms, and the general discontent I could feel around me.”

“Many people struggle with depression, and I know most teens have the same struggle as I do.”

After discovering that being at school was a trigger, Jane and her family sought out help during her freshman year. She was determined to stay in school despite the heavy workload and lack of personalized assistance because she was worried about losing her friends and the community she had found in her drama club. But when she began to face even bigger challenges, she decided it was time to look for educational alternatives.

“The tipping point for me was the bullying,” Jane said. “I had always been bullied, but it got worse when rumors began to spread.”

Jane and her family began searching for other options, finally deciding to enroll full-time at ASU Prep Digital. This allowed her to work at her own pace, from home, on her own schedule.

“I already had one friend enrolled in ASU Prep Digital and she was enjoying it, so I decided to join too,” Jane said.

After making the switch to online school, Jane noticed a significant shift in her day-to-day life, including her mental health.

“I’ve gotten to spend a lot more time with my friends, separate from the drama club, dedicate more time to making art, and give myself time to just mentally unwind,” Jane said. “My mental health issues are a bit on and off, but since starting online school I’ve noticed I’ve been having less problems with my anxiety and depression than I did before and it’s been such a major relief.”

Not to mention, she’s enjoying school a lot more now, too.

“In my previous school, the teachers didn’t make an effort to care about me or my learning. All they cared about was if I was passing or not,” Jane said. “But here, I feel like my teachers genuinely care about me and they’re always reaching out to me, which I enjoy.”

For Jane, the extra care and personalized learning has allowed her to flourish. And having the time to dedicate to hobbies that help keep her grounded has been a welcome benefit.

“I do a lot of theatre in my spare time, and I love to draw,” she said. “Art is probably my biggest hobby, and I’ve even considered selling it!”

 

While Jane continues to find ways to keep her mind and body healthy, she asks for one thing that many teens who have experienced anxiety or depression need: patience.

“It can be difficult to express how it [depression] feels to adults, so I just ask them to be patient with me,” she said. “Taking time to understand what I’m going through when I’m feeling badly is some of the biggest help I can get.”

If you are living with a mental illness, you are not alone and your story matters. Find a list of helpful resources here. If you’re curious about whether or not online school may benefit you, we invite you to schedule a call with an admissions advisor or browse our FAQs to determine if ASU Prep Digital would be a good fit for you.

*The student’s name has been changed for this story.

 

Social and Emotional Learning Gives Students an Advantage in Life

« Back  |  April 25, 2019 - ASU Prep Digital

In high school, students learn about the Civil War, the basic properties of a cell, the structure of a sentence, and the right way to solve algebraic equations. But to get through high school, college, and the rest of their lives, they need a little more than that. This is where social and emotional learning (SEL) comes into play, and it may just be the most important aspect of a student’s high school career.

“I have a student named Lucas who recently moved to a new town,” Lisa Edgar, a Learning Success Coach (LSC) at ASU Prep Digital, said. “He expressed sadness over not having any friends and we discussed ways he could use his communication, sympathy, and empathy skills to find new friends and be a good friend to those kids when he found them.”

Not too long after their conversation, Edgar received a call from an overjoyed Lucas.

“I picked up the phone and he excitedly said, ‘I got a new friend, Ms. Edgar!’ and it was clear how thankful he was,” Edgar said. “This is why social and emotional learning is so important. It encompasses preparing whole students for the next phase of their life.”

Social and emotional learning (SEL) is defined as “the process through which children and adults understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.”*

 

According to a recent study**, there is a 6 percent improvement in high school graduation rates and an 11 percent improvement in college attendance and degree attainment among students who receive SEL training. These students are scoring higher academically and reaping “lifelong monetary benefits for their healthy adult lifestyle.”

 

So how does teaching a student to communicate effectively and express sympathy contribute to their success in college, careers, and everything in between?

“Kids can’t go off to college and careers with just good grades and a good GPA to get them by,” Edgar said. “They need soft, transferable skills to be successful in life. This includes teaching them how to form friendships, how to be confident, how to deal with stress, and how to set goals.”

SEL training has been embedded into the instructional model at ASU Prep Digital since day one, specifically in the LSC role. In their core classes, students are being prepped for academic success. With their LSC, students are being prepped for social and emotional success. The combination of the three enables students to achieve their full potential in school and, more importantly, in life.

“The ‘whole student approach’ is at the core of what the LSC does,” Edgar said. “ASU Prep Digital has been ahead of this. We stress the importance of educating the whole student because we know it’s not just about the academics—it’s also about college and career readiness. It’s great to see the educational system getting on board with this.”

Schools across the country are beginning to incorporate SEL training into their curriculum as more research proves that it’s “critical to a child’s development, as it directly correlates to success and happiness as an adult.” ASU Prep Digital will continue to place an emphasis on SEL training, preparing students for college, careers, and everything in between.

 

Learn more about how we embed SEL training through our Own It! Program and how to get your child started with us.

 

* Definition from the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL)
** Study performed by CASEL, the University of Illinois at Chicago, Loyola University, and the University of British Columbia

Course Review: BioBeyond

« Back  |  March 28, 2019 - ASU Prep Digital

If we told you that you could take a trip to Mars or journey into a cell, would you believe us? You should, because it’s all possible through an innovative course called BioBeyond.

BioBeyond is an introductory biology course offered through ASU and ASU Online as part of their BIO 100 – The Living World class.  And the best part is that full-time ASU Prep Digital students are eligible to take the course for free, allowing them to earn both high school and college credit simultaneously.

BioBeyond is the first online course of its kind, providing ‘education through exploration.’

The course strives to be unique to every student through adaptive, personalized learning. The learning pathway is designed to cater to each student’s individual learning pace and style, providing feedback and real-time guidance as they go through each unit.

You’ll start the course with a unit called “Biology Bootcamp” where you will be introduced to BioBeyond and the different scientific terms and practices you’ll need to be successful throughout the class.

You’ll quickly learn that you will not be taking exams or quizzes in this course. Simply put by the creators of BioBeyond, “you don’t like to take them, and we don’t like to grade them.” Instead, the course is designed like a game where you earn points as you learn new concepts. Who doesn’t love racking up points?

In order to ‘win’ points, you’ll be answering questions and interacting with simulations to demonstrate how much you’ve learned. There are four types of screens you’ll encounter during your lessons in which you will be able to earn points: Instructional, Simulation, Summative, and Formative. The point levels will vary based on how far along in the lesson you are and how much information you should’ve learned.

 

 

Once you learn about the structure of the course and the tools/skills you’ll need to be successful, you’ll be ready to journey forward with your lessons. You’ll learn everything from what organisms call the Galapagos home to how food is broken down into energy in the cell.

Along the way, you’ll be able to take virtual field trips during some of your lessons. And, as promised, you’ll have the opportunity to launch your crew on a mission to Mars!

BioBeyond keeps students engaged and having fun while ensuring they get through all of the course material they’d learn in a standard first-year biology course. And for those with a career pathway in mind, such as science, education, business, humanities, or communication, this can be the first step toward fulfilling grade 9 requirements—and discovering your love of all things science.

Interested in taking the course? Check out this introductory video and get started today.

High School Graduates Earn 48% of College Graduate Average Wages

« Back  |  March 14, 2019 - ASU Prep Digital

Each year, the Arizona Board of Regents produces a report on wages earned by graduates within the Arizona university system. These universities include Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, and the University of Arizona. According to the report, high school graduates are earning 48% of college graduate average wages.

Specifically, a high school graduate earns a median wage of $27,708. However, a college graduate earns nearly double that, making $53,091 a year.

College graduates see more benefits that extend past earning higher wages. According to an article from USA Today, those without a college degree are less likely to have a job (in many cases), get married, own a home, or move in search of better opportunities.

In many cases, students aren’t actively choosing to forego a college education—they simply can’t afford to go. In an article from the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, they state that low-income students cannot afford to attend 95% of colleges in the United States.

Though it may be difficult to address the drastic difference in wages, we can start by helping more high school students realize their dreams of going to college, no matter what their economic background is.

At ASU Prep Digital, full-time Arizona high school students can take college courses through Arizona State University for free. Part-time students can also take college courses, at a discounted rate.

We are determined to put students on an accelerated path toward university admission and careers of the future, and are committed to providing them with the tools they need to unlock their full potential.

Give your child a head start today.

Course Spotlight: Guitar Class with Warren Eallonardo

« Back  |  February 28, 2019 - ASU Prep Digital

When putting your schedule together for the semester, you probably have courses like English, chemistry, algebra, and world history at the top of your mind. But have you ever considered adding a little music to your day? Here at ASU Prep Digital, students can sign up for a guitar class and begin their journey to rock stardom.

This class is designed for students who have never picked up an instrument but have always wanted to learn how to play. “The course that we have starts students off by showing them how to hold the guitar, so it’s perfect for someone who has never so much as touched the instrument before,” says Warren Eallonardo, the guitar class instructor. “From there, it provides a steady and gradual build of skills to familiarize beginners with how to play.”

Like every class at ASU Prep Digital, this course features a live lesson each week, giving students the opportunity to connect and check on their progress. “While written feedback to their performance videos can be beneficial, the live lessons are the best place for that,” Eallonardo said. “I had just taught the class’s first chord, and one of my students was getting a lot of ‘fret buzz’ from his guitar. Because he had his camera on, I could see that his fingers were too high on the neck, and I was able to hold up my guitar and show him where to move his fingers to eliminate the noise. When he heard the result, he lit up. Teachers live for those moments!”

And the students are appreciative of the face time, too.

“My favorite part about the class is the live class meetings,” John-Louis, ASU Prep Digital junior, said. “It gives all of us students a chance to express our concerns toward the curriculum, and things that we don’t quite understand.”

But just because this isn’t a core subject, it doesn’t mean hard work and a considerable time commitment aren’t required.

“Every week, we practice rhythm for 30 minutes and general research and practice for an hour,” John-Louis said. “Sometimes it’s difficult to find time to do these things, but I’ve found that merely messing around with the guitar and doing research is when I learn the most.”

The course would not be as successful as it is without Eallonardo’s spirit and love for music, which translates into his teaching.

“Music has always been—for lack of a better word—medicinal for me,” Eallonardo said. “It simply and plainly improves the quality of my life. The fact that it now gets to be a part of my job is a dream come true.”

Interested in checking out the unique courses we offer? Browse our course catalog and get a taste for our Guitar 1 class, featuring John-Louis, below:

 

How Can Online High School Benefit Students Who Suffer From Anxiety?

« Back  |  February 14, 2019 - ASU Prep Digital

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 25.1% of children between the ages of 13 and 18 are affected by anxiety disorders. Even more alarming, 50% of all cases of mental illness, including anxiety, begin by age 14—right when teenagers are entering and navigating their high school years.

Things such as making friends and staying on top of coursework can be more difficult for students who suffer from anxiety, which can lead to isolation and falling behind in classes. While it may not solve every problem, online high school is a viable option for students who are looking for a different environment that will enable them to excel academically and socially. Let’s explore the different facets of online high school that can benefit students who suffer from anxiety.

Working from anywhere.

We all have days where getting out of bed feels like the most exhausting task we’ll undertake. However, for a high school student suffering from anxiety, this can easily be an everyday occurrence. If a student is feeling anxious during their entire school day, it makes it difficult for them to be present and productive in their classes. Online high school gives students the flexibility of learning wherever they want and the ability to create a schedule that fits their needs. If they feel safe and secure, they will be able to concentrate better and get more done.

Learning at their own pace.

One setback of the brick-and-mortar style of education is that every student is taught at the same pace when in reality, not every student learns the same way or at the same rate. For students who suffer from anxiety, falling behind in their studies can feel overwhelming and deter his or her success. One of the major benefits of online high school is that students are able to work at their own pace, which means they can work ahead or spend a little extra time on a subject they’re stuck on. At ASU Prep Digital, we are committed to providing a personalized learning experience for all of our students. This means giving students the power to create their own schedule and providing assistance and guidance along the way to ensure success.

Additional layers of support.

It’s easy to feel invisible when you’re attending a traditional high school if you’re not connecting with your teachers or peers. For students who suffer from anxiety, this feeling is magnified. At ASU Prep Digital, we understand the importance of providing an abundance of support so that students are able to succeed in and out of the classroom. This is why we provide each student with a Learning Success Coach, in addition to providing ample opportunities for students to connect with their teachers and peers. The success coaches help their students craft schedules that align with their interests and academic goals. They also meet with them on a weekly basis to check on their progress, making each student they interact with feel supported and heard. Between teachers, success coaches, peers, and their parents, students will never feel like they’re handling everything on their own.

While switching to online high school may not solve every problem, it offers an alternative learning environment that allows students to learn on their own time, at their own pace, and surrounded by people who are invested in their success. If your child is experiencing difficulty in their current schooling, schedule a call with one of our advisors or begin the enrollment process today.