SECOND STEP

• Overview
• Early Learning
• Grades K-1
• Grades 2-3
• Grades 4-5
• Middle School
• SEL and Academics
• Research and Results
• Awards and Endorsements
• Success Stories
• Video Previews

Other Programs

STEPS TO RESPECT
A Bullying Prevention Program

TALKING ABOUT TOUCHING
A Personal Safety Curriculum

 

SEL and Academics

The SECOND STEP program supports academics in two ways:

1. Lessons align with academic content standards and Head Start performance standards, and include academic integration activities.
2. Social and emotional learning (SEL), the basis of the skills taught in the program, supports academics.

To learn more about SEL and academics, see below and download Academic Achievement and the SECOND STEP Program (PDF).

Alignment Charts

Download the charts below to see how the SECOND STEP program aligns to academic and other educational standards.

• Kindergarten–Grade 3 Academic Alignment Chart (PDF)*
• Grades 4–5 Academic Alignment Chart (PDF)*
• Grades 6–8 Academic Alignment Chart (PDF)
• Head Start Alignment Chart (PDF)
• K–5 Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Alignment (PDF)

*Print in landscape mode on ledger paper (11 x 17 inches).

CASEL Makes the Case: SEL Improves Academic Performance

Some educators worry that teaching our SEL programs will take time away from academics. The latest research can help put that fear to rest.

CASEL, the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning, recently published a meta-analysis that includes the findings of the largest, most scientifically rigorous review of research ever done on school-based intervention programs (Durlak, Weissberg, Taylor, & Dymnicki, in preparation). The findings are rich, but one result really stands out:

Those same students also attained higher grades while improving:

• Classroom behavior
• Feelings about themselves
• Handling of emotional problems
• Social and emotional skills

Teaching the SECOND STEP program isn't only about changing behaviors—it's about helping your students reach their highest potential. Read The Positive Impact of SEL for Kingergarten to Eighth-Grade Students (CASEL) to learn more.

References

Durlak, J. A., Weissberg, R. P., Taylor, R. D., & Dymnicki, A. B. (in preparation). The effects of school-based social and emotional learning: A meta-analytical review. Chicago: CASEL.

Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (2008). Social and emotional learning and student benefits: Implications for the Safe Schools/Healthy Students core elements. Washington, DC: National Center for Mental Health Promotion and Youth Violence Prevention, Education Development Center.