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A lot has been said about the importance of time management for students, especially online students. Those who are successful at managing their time will do well, but online high school students who excel at using their time wisely may even be able to work ahead. This can be an advantage in many ways. Students can work ahead in order to meet short term goals such as   completing a class early in order to take a trip or to participate in another kind of opportunity. Students can also work ahead in order to move on to more advanced coursework or even college level classes while still in high school. Short Term Goals Whether it is a family trip or travel for sports, sometimes students need time to focus on other things. Students in online school can work ahead in their curriculum in order to prepare for these opportunities. Students must be aware of upcoming events that will impact their schedule. Then, the first step is always to contact the teacher of the class. The student and teacher can work together to make the best possible plan that balances the student’s upcoming events with the work load of the course. A student whose family is preparing to travel can finish work early or plan to take some work along on the trip; young athletes on traveling teams can arrange coursework around their game schedules; a pre-professional ballet dancer may be able to  complete the first semester before Nutcracker performances begin. The possibilities are endless when online students and teachers work together. Advanced Coursework Students who learn quickly and want to move ahead may be able to do more through online school. For instance, a student who excels in math may be able to finish a course in half the time and move on to the next level. In this way, they can double up on course completions. Concurrent enrollment or early college can be possible through online schools as well. If a student qualifies for early college level classes, these can be taken at the local community college and the student receives both high school and college credit for the course. A high school student can even graduate with an Associates Degree or with a certificate they can use to get a job right away or to jump start them into more courses for a four year degree program. Each student is on a different educational path and time line. Students who have the ability and the desire to move quickly through their courses have many opportunities to do so with online school. Online high school students can work with their teachers to arrange their schedules to meet their short and long term goals for a successful future.

Online schools offer a high quality education for students who wish to work from home. Many students are thriving in flexible online classes. Some students report being better able to focus without the social distractions in a traditional school setting. But what about when the school-day is done? How do students stay involved when they leave the traditional classroom behind? Connecting with other online students Many online schools offer programs, clubs, community connection events, and even field trips.  Others may have drop-in learning centers or education zones where students can meet with teachers, mentors, and other students. These opportunities for online students can be great ways to connect with students who have similar interests and needs.   After school activities Recreation centers, sports leagues, music and dance schools, and arts centers are just a few of the places students can sign up to participate in activities. In addition, students residing in a given school district can participate in school activities and sports, regardless of whether or not they attend the district school. This means students who do their academics from home can still play for the “home team”! Communication One could argue that today’s world offers students more opportunities for connection than in any other time! Students should be encouraged to communicate with friends and family members once schoolwork is done for the day. Staying involved and being social can start with a phone call or text. Though students should use social media with care and supervision, even social media accounts can help at-home learners to stay connected. Students don’t have to stop with a virtual connection, however. They can use these tools to make plans to get together! It may take some effort at first, but students have many opportunities to stay involved while learning from home!

Besides  your computer, reliable internet, and a charger, what supplies do you need for online school? Here are 5 basics you will want nearby as you are completing schoolwork from home. Paper and pencil  Yes, you read that correctly! Even though your coursework is online, you may need to jot down notes, work out an equation, or create a sketch. Studies show that students retain information best by physically writing out notes. Writing out math problems helps you to keep track to avoid mistakes and also provides you with procedural notes for studying. To avoid wasting paper, you can substitute a dry erase board or chalkboard. Just remember to take a quick photo before erasing! Earbuds or headphones When you are working online, you may need to listen to parts of your curriculum or watch an instructional video. Especially if you are not the only one in the room, you will want to have your earbuds or headphones handy. You will also need them when meeting with teachers or mentors or working in a group. Calculator In the middle of working out a math problem, most students find it more convenient to pick up a calculator than to open a new tab and search for a calculator app. Make sure you have the right kind of calculator for your class. You may need a scientific calculator, depending on the course. Class-specific Items Some classes may require an additional textbook, ruler, graph paper, protractor, etc.  Make sure you know what items are needed as you begin the class and gather them for your study area.  When you start your classwork, you won’t have to waste time looking for things. Water bottle and snacks Having a water bottle and snacks nearby will help you to resist the temptation to wander into the kitchen and become distracted.  At the beginning of study time, fill up a water bottle and grab a granola bar, some fruit, crackers, or other easy snacks.  That way, you can stay focused and on task!

Many of today’s students are choosing to complete school online, but how do we ensure success? At Global, we have found that there is a set of skills that is important to a student’s success. The good news is that we can help them develop these skills along the way! Self-motivation Students need to want to be successful to reach that graduation finish line! At Global, we understand that even the most self-motivated students occasionally need encouragement to set goals and stay on track. This is why each Global student is assigned a life coach to guide and encourage them. Ability to self-advocate Students at all levels are more successful when they are able to self-advocate.  Global coaches encourage students to ask questions, help them to contact teachers, and help them to take advantage of support services.  Self-awareness A successful online student is becoming aware of what works best for them.  They have already determined that they would like to work at their own pace, with the flexibility of online classes.  As they continue, they begin to understand what times of day work best for them, what study environment helps them to focus, and the need to take breaks.  Commitment to reading thoroughly Reading skills translate to higher grades and greater success!  At Global, each student is assessed in Reading at the beginning of the school year.  If reading intervention is needed, the student is assigned to a reading program and supported by Global teachers.  Time management skills One of the benefits students gain from online school is the ability to manage their own time - a skill that will help them in college, on the job, and in life! It turns out that outstanding online students are outstanding individuals!  They are developing important life skills while completing their classes.  Global coaches, teachers, and support staff are here to help them every step of the way!

Let’s face it, our youth have been through a lot.  Some are calling it a nationwide mental health crisis.  So, what can we do to better the mental health of our students? At Global, our students have a broad support network, beginning with their life coach.   Connection Our students are each assigned a life coach who will be meeting with them weekly and checking in with them daily to see how they are doing. Research shows that just one caring adult in the life of a teen can make an enormous difference in student well-being.   Awareness With their life coach, each student will complete our onboarding course, My Life. Through this course, coaches will get to know their students and students will have the opportunity to take helpful courses from our social and emotional partner BASE. These courses are extremely user-friendly and cover such topics as Stress Management,   Life Changes,  and Learning to Say “No Thanks” . Students can explore more courses as needed - courses such as Anger Management, Anxiety, and Substance Abuse . Involvement As a student’s life coach learns more about them, they can recommend clubs and groups we offer at Global.  We offer a variety in person and virtual clubs and programs. Each is specific to the interests of our regional student populations. Students who are connected with others are more likely to have good attendance in classes and a positive attitude about school. Support Should a student experience difficult times or circumstances, the Global team is there to surround them with support services.  From their life coach to their teachers and support staff, Global students have an extensive network of caring adults to see them through the toughest of times and to celebrate with them when things are going well. While we can’t erase the past, we can be here for our students in the present.  Through connection, awareness, involvement, and with support, we can help better our students' mental health.

Students taking advantage of online learning have many advantages. They can work at their own pace, anytime, anywhere. However, there are some growing pains associated with adjusting to online school. Here are some tips to help students: Communicate.  Online schools have life coaches, teachers, mentors, counselors, and administrators on staff to help students with everything from accessing curriculum to understanding assignments, setting goals, and dealing with social and emotional issues.  Students should be checking in daily with the members of their personal success team. They may need guidance with this at first. Parents can help by setting up group chats, or helping students write and send emails.  Remember, communication is key. Students work better when they don’t feel isolated. Understand expectations.   Working at “your own pace” does not mean putting everything off until the end of the semester, or rushing through classes in the first two weeks. Most online schools have weekly expectations of time and progress. A reasonable expectation is for students to work and make progress in their curriculum for 5 hours each weekday. Students should check with their teachers to make sure they understand and meet those expectations. Participate.  Working online can free students from social distractions at school. But students should not isolate themselves.  Learning centers and drop-in zones are an important part of some online schools. Students can take advantage of these to get in-person help with schoolwork and to meet other students. They should also continue to participate in their favorite activities and try some new ones as well. Online schools sometimes offer sports, clubs, and field trips.  Participation with others, understanding expectations, and consistent communication can all help students to adjust and thrive in their new online school environment.

It’s that time of year when students, parents, and educators are thinking about graduation. Soon graduating classes across the nation will walk across the stage one by one to accept their diplomas. Tassels will be switched, hats will be tossed, and graduation celebrations will commence!  In just a few weeks, Global graduates will also receive their diplomas, but our graduates will enter the next phase of their lives with so much more than just a high school diploma.  Ready for College Besides learning to take charge of their time as they work at their own pace in our curriculum, many Global students have been able to begin college classes through concurrent enrollment.  These students will graduate high school with credits toward their college pathways. Some of them will have even earned Associate Degrees.  Ready for the Workforce Our commitment to Career and Technical Education allows our students to earn certificates in programs such as Nursing, Early Childhood Education, Welding, and more! These can be used to enter the workforce, or can be stepping stones toward other certifications on a career path. In addition, all Global students graduate with a WorkKeys Workforce Readiness Certificate.  When applying for jobs or internships, students can prove they have demonstrated workplace readiness with skills like communication, teamwork, and applied math.   Ready for Life Besides all of this, when our students graduate, we know they have benefitted from one-on-one, personalized education and encouragement from the entire Global team. Each student has been mentored by their Enrichment Life Coach, tutored by their Online Teachers, encouraged in art, fitness, and activities by our Program Leaders, and guided by our team of Student Support Coordinators. Global Graduation truly is a day to celebrate all of the ways our graduates are prepared!

For most students, the 9th grade year represents a big step forward in their education.  A smooth transition from middle to high school can ensure success in 9th grade and beyond. However, students face many challenges in this transition. These include:  increased academic rigor, decreased supervision, changes in structure and presentation of class material, and changes in the support system they are used to having in school.  High school also brings social and emotional challenges that can be distracting or even disruptive to a student’s education.   Though students can be at risk of dropping out at any grade level, the 9th grade year is often when students start to get off track or end up dropping out. Online schools like Globl can help with all of these challenges, and even get students back on track towards graduation! Academic Challenges and Credit Support Students may be overwhelmed by the increase in rigor in their classes from middle school to high school. Switching classes and having many different teachers may be confusing and they can easily lose track of homework assignments and expectations. Online school may be able to help with this transition. At Global, academic support is only a click away, and students have access to their classes 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They never have to wait for the next class meeting to have their question answered. Students who are already used to studying online have the ability to manage their time and to advocate for themselves by reaching out to their teachers. However, students who are used to a classroom teacher telling them exactly what to do and when to do it may need more support in this area. Whether they are continuing with online classes or jumping into a traditional high school, students can benefit from the skills learned in online school.  Students who have already failed a high school course are at serious risk of dropping out, either during their first year of high school, or later as they approach their graduation date without enough credits to graduate. Online schools can work with a student and help them to recover credit. Students may be able to double up on classes easier with an online rather than in-person schedule.  Some online schools like Global even offer credit recovery programs and alternative paths to graduation for students who are severely lacking in credits, but who have the desire to put in the work to complete high school. Social and Emotional Challenges A student who studies in a quality online program will already have a support network in place. At Global, students are assigned a life coach and they work with certified online  teachers for all of their classes. They even have access to a social and emotional learning platform, and offer group and individual counseling as needed by students.  In addition, students who study online are more likely to learn to self-advocate, be self motivated, and be less dependent on their peers for approval. These students have the opportunity to discover their true potential without the pressure of traditional high school social life going on all around them.  Online students can choose where and when they interact with peers. Sports and clubs are still accessible to Global students in their home districts, so they can study from home and still play for the “home team”. Or, students may choose to pursue private sports leagues or other activities. If they live near one of Global’s Community Education Zones, they can drop in to socialize, attend events, or meet with their coach and other staff. The key is that their interactions are self-driven, never imposed upon them. Early and active intervention is the key to helping students transition to high school. For students already in online school, keeping up to date with school communications, keeping track of student progress, and providing support from home can make a big difference in a student’s education. However, for a student who is struggling in traditional school, is lacking in credits, or is in need of a different environment in order to thrive, 9th grade may be the right time to make a positive change.

Students and parents may consider online high school for many reasons. Flexibility, freedom from bullying and conflict, and the ability to work at a pace that works for the student, are all great reasons students make the transition from brick and mortar school to online.  However, students and parents may wonder if an online diploma will be accepted by colleges and universities.  Accreditation The truth is, most colleges and universities do not differentiate between online and traditional diplomas, as long as they come from accredited institutions. For instance, Global, which offers online school options for middle and high school students, is accredited by Cognia and recognized by NCAA. This means that students who graduate from one of the Global programs have a diploma that counts, and they can even qualify for college athletic scholarships as long as they have kept up with the NCAA standards throughout their high school career. Parents just need to do their homework to make sure they are enrolling their students in a quality program. Strong Candidates If colleges are not differentiating between online and traditional high school diplomas, what are they looking for?  Colleges are looking for strong candidates, as demonstrated by high grade point averages (GPAs) and students who have taken part in a rigorous curriculum. This means students need to push themselves to take some upper level courses and do their best to get good grades. Good test scores on standardized tests such as the SAT and ACT are also a plus. Some schools are steering away from these scores, but many still require them. Even if a school does not require the scores, but will accept them if a student chooses to share them, it can be to a student’s advantage to do well on these kinds of tests. Students can take advantage of test preparation courses at their online school and work with teachers and mentors to make sure they do their best. Students that Stand Out Colleges know that students aren’t just grades and test scores. They are also looking at student’s extracurricular activities, their passions and interests, and their unique life story. Writing a strong personal statement can really help a student to be accepted into college, regardless of whether they graduated from traditional high school or from online school. Students with artistic or athletic talent should highlight those areas and look for opportunities to connect with specific departments and coaches. Colleges and universities are interested in the whole student. Every student is unique, and students who have had the opportunity to explore their skills and interests through a quality online program can really stand out. It turns out that a strong candidate is a strong candidate, whether their diploma came from a traditional high school or from an accredited online school. As long as the student shows strong potential to succeed in college, their work and achievements will help them to stand out as strong candidates for higher education.