| By: Kim Gulbrandson How SEL Supports Your MTSS Efforts (Part 2) As we dig deeper into how to implement both social-emotional learning (SEL) and MTSS, both of which are about explicit teaching, learn how students benefit from explicit instruction in social skills and behavioral development. Read More
| By: Committee for Children Implementing Responsive Classroom and Second Step in an Elementary School This Virginia school district implements and integrates these programs to help students develop important social-emotional skills. Responsive Classroom (RC) and Second Step are both evidence-based programs that focus on the strong relationship between academic success and social-emotional learning (SEL). Together, they provide tools for a safe and welcoming learning community, and for important academic, social, and emotional skills. Read More
| By: Kim Gulbrandson Implement SEL Within Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (Part 1) Part One of our series to help you navigate and harness the strengths of both Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and SEL to meet the needs of all your students. Read More
| By: Kim Gulbrandson Want to Implement Both SEL and Restorative Practices? Read This Are you currently implementing a restorative practices or social-emotional learning (SEL) program and now considering implementing both? Learn from our examples and tips on how to integrate and maximize the benefits of both. Read More
| By: Kim Gulbrandson Don’t Miss These Connections Between SEL and Trauma-Informed Practice When we cannot know for sure whether children have experienced trauma, the use of trauma-informed practices and supports becomes more important in creating safe learning environments. Social-emotional learning and competencies are key in carrying out these practices so that kids feel supported and can thrive. Read More
| By: Kelly Doscher Summer Reading List: SEL In and Out of The School Year Social-emotional learning is important year-round. Get some good summer reading in, either together or on your own, with these titles for families, students, and educators that we’ve curated from our Second Step Suite. Read More
| By: Barry Landry Ways to Stay Cool While You’re Out of School All year long, we anticipate the moment when school ends and summer begins. But once that final school bell rings, how will you plan for and manage all this extra summer time? We’ve got some ideas to help students stay safe and sane this summer Read More
| By: Committee for Children Resources to Help Kids Cope with Scary Situations In response to the May 18 school shooting in Santa Fe, Texas, we’ve compiled a list of resources for educators, parents, and others who work with kids to assist with and help navigate tough conversations about gun violence, staying safe, and helping each other heal and recover. Read More
| By: Committee for Children SEL Assessment Doesn’t Have to Be Hard The question we’re often asked is: “How can we tell if Second Step is working?” When it comes to assessing social-emotional learning (SEL), there is a spectrum of complexity, but there are easier and more economical ways to check whether or not learning goals are being met. Read More
| By: Committee for Children How the Second Step Program Got Its Name People always ask us, “Why do you call your program Second Step?” The answer lies in our organization’s history. Our social-emotional learning curriculum, Second Step, is a product of nearly forty years of experience and dedication. Read More