Which of the following is effective for supporting students with anxiety in a school setting?

Offering flexibility and accommodations is an effective strategy for supporting students with anxiety in a school setting because it helps create a more supportive and understanding environment that can reduce stressors and improve students' ability to participate in learning activities. Flexibility might involve allowing students to take breaks when they feel overwhelmed, providing a quiet space to regroup, or adapting deadlines to account for their needs. Accommodations can also include modified assignments or alternative methods of assessment that reduce pressure and allow students to demonstrate their understanding in a way that feels more manageable for them.

In contrast, a busy and stimulating environment may exacerbate anxiety, and ignoring expressions of anxiety can leave students feeling unsupported and isolated. Excluding students from group activities deprives them of social interaction and peer support, which are essential for emotional well-being and can further contribute to their feelings of anxiety. Therefore, the approach focusing on flexibility and accommodations is essential in fostering an environment where students with anxiety can thrive and feel secure.