It had been a year since Angela stepped foot in a classroom. Her anxiety disorder had taken control of her daily routine and manifested in serious social and academic struggles, resulting in her being homeschooled – the only option that provided the flexibility and comfort she needed to successfully complete the school year. Over time, however, her desire to be part of something bigger than her immediate family circle, to build friendships and to grow as an individual, led to the decision to transition back to the classroom environment. This would mean that anxiety and fear could no longer control her life -- not an easy objective for a then-fragile young adult.
Anxiety in teens is an increasingly common condition. Angela is among the millions of U.S. adolescents who struggle with anxiety. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 25.1 percent of teens ages 13-18 have been diagnosed with anxiety disorders – a pretty alarming statistic. Just like parents, educators must also play an active role in helping teens manage and get past this condition
“The first day was difficult. Rushing through crowds in a huge and unknown city was alarming, taking the [route to school] for the first time was confusing, and introducing myself as a new student worried me,” she shares.
During our 90 years, Beekman has helped a number of students overcome social and emotional challenges and have a fulfilling academic experience. “Beekman took the ‘traditional style’ of learning; classroom setting, college prep, extensive curriculum and transformed it into something beautiful,” remembers Angela. On a school level, at the core of successfully helping teens with anxiety are the compassion and empathy of educators, combined with a friendly and welcoming school community. At The Beekman School, these conditions are articulated through the following practices:
- One step at a time: Through a process known as instructional scaffolding -– the provision of sufficient structure and support to promote learning, which is gradually removed when students develop autonomous learning strategies – we meet students where they are and provide them with just the right amount of support and comfort level they need at a given time in order to overcome anxiety and grow as independent learners. For example, we can start with supporting the student at the home and then work on bringing him/her into the school building. Once that happens, we continue working with the student in a one-to-one classroom and transition to a regular classroom environment when he/she feels ready.
- Continuous individual attention & progress monitoring: Through individual attention and balanced progress monitoring, teachers can identify any outstanding needs and struggles in a timely manner. If the student gets behind, he/she can have a tutor who helps the student make up the outstanding work on a schedule. If students are in a one-to-one classroom, the class only moves forward when they are in the class, so they don’t have to feel like they can't keep up. Alleviating anxiety in teens hinges upon ongoing teacher feedback and customized support.
- Flexibility: Flexible scheduling options – such as a part-time day, a late start, or an early finish – and self-paced learning are important tools for supporting students’ intellectual, social, and emotional growth. We always try to make students understand that every day is a new day. If you weren't able to get into school one day because you felt like it was too much, take a deep breath and try again the next day.
Anxiety disorder in teens is a serious condition that prevents them from having a fulfilling youth, both in and outside the classroom. As educators, we must ensure that we provide these young people with the necessary support system and accommodations to enjoy the social and academic benefits of being part of a school community while growing both as learners and individuals.
“I am able to evaluate what this school year has done for me not only from an educational aspect but in forms of mental self development. The Beekman School opened my eyes to the unforgettable experience of a brand new day.”