Research and Results
Increased Social Competence
Taub, J. (2002). Evaluation of the SECOND STEP violence prevention program at a rural elementary school. School Psychology Review, 31(2), 186–200.
A quasi-experimental evaluation of the SECOND STEP curriculum was conducted with 87 third- through fifth-grade students in a rural elementary school.
Teachers rated children's social competence and antisocial behavior, and observers rated children's prosocial behaviors (for example, engages appropriately with peers, follows directions, follows classroom rules).
Compared to the control group, students who received SECOND STEP lessons increased in social competence and decreased antisocial behavior. Observational data further validated that program students showed higher levels of peer interaction skills and rule-adherence compared to control students.
