Lassen’s Adult High School diploma programs help students balance life, learning  

The annual Adult Education Graduation ceremony was held last month to award students of Opportunity Academy in Susanville their high school diplomas.

The graduating class was the largest in the Adult Ed Program’s history, and plenty of friends and family were in attendance. Ann Weaver, Director of Opportunity Academy, Lassen County Office of Education, and Sarah Merrick, Director of TEACH Adult Ed, presented students with their diplomas.

Earning a high school diploma can help adults in Lassen County find better jobs, earn more money and obtain a better quality of life. And now with the rise of hybrid learning — which mixes classroom learning with online lessons —s tudents are finding it easier than ever to balance studying with the responsibilities of everyday life.

Where adults can get a high school diploma in Lassen County?
The Diploma Gold Adult Education Program, run out of Lassen High School, is designed to help adults over 18 achieve their high school diploma. The program includes a mix of online learning and in-person classroom instruction from a qualified teacher. This blend of online and in-person sessions is designed to help students fit learning more easily into their existing schedules. The program is free to attend with classes scheduled from 5 to 8 p.m. every Monday and Wednesday night. Weekly attendance is mandatory.

Free GED classes at Lassen Library
The Lassen Library Adult Literacy Program also offers one-on-one tutoring for students who want to earn their General Educational Development credential, an alternative to a high school diploma. Lessons can be tailored to the student’s individual needs, and the program also includes group classes led by a qualified teacher. The program is even happy to cover the costs of students’ GED tests. If students also need to brush up on their computer skills, the program offers Basic Computer classes. These classes cover useful topics like Microsoft Excel, Publisher, and Word, and also teach students how to conduct online research. Sessions are held in the evenings and weekends.

How to stay focused when studying at home
Although hybrid learning gives students greater flexibility in when and where they fit in their learning, staying focused when studying at home can be a challenge since there’s so many distractions competing for your attention. In fact, around two-thirds of U.S. students say they get distracted when using digital devices like laptops and smartphones, EdWeek reports. So, hybrid students should always remember to switch their phones off at the beginning of each study session, and use website blockers to stop them visiting time-consuming and distracting websites. Simple steps like this can help students stay disciplined and focused, so they get the most out of study sessions at home.

Create a home study routine
It’s also important for students to make studying a habit by establishing a structured daily routine. Study sessions should be scheduled at the same times every week (like for an hour every other evening, for instance). To do this, students should first assess their current work, family and other commitments to determine how much time they can realistically dedicate to studying. This can help students create a manageable schedule where they aren’t spreading themselves too thin. It’s also useful to set goals for each study session—whether it’s to revise for an exam, or complete a certain module or lesson. Setting goals makes it easier to plan study sessions, so they’re as useful as possible for students.

Don’t forget to take breaks
Taking regular breaks can help students improve concentration and knowledge retention, and prevent burn out. So, remember to get up from your chair every so often, and stretch or go grab a glass of water from the kitchen. Taking walks out in nature can also help clear the mind and reduce stress. You may also want to consider taking a break from studying on the computer where possible. For example, print out study materials and go over them with a pen.

It’s never too late for Lassen County adults to earn their high school diploma and achieve their goals. With the rise of hybrid learning, students can more conveniently fit in studying around their existing schedules, and go onto successfully advance their careers.