Second Step is a violence prevention program designed for students in grades PreK-8. Based in social, ecological, and cognitive-behavioral psychology, Second Step focuses on teaching all students pro-social, community-building skills.
22-28 weekly topics are included, each with five fully-scripted lessons, videos, and additional materials. Within these topics are opportunities to practice through role plays and the ability to integrate with academic activities by the teacher.
The elementary program (ages 5-11) teaches empathy, emotion management, problem solving, self-regulation, and executive functioning skills. The middle school program (ages 11-14) teaches empathy, communication, emotion management, coping skills, and decision making. Families also receive newsletters, related activities for home, and explanation of the curriculum. Teachers receive online training and additional resources. Lessons are also available in Spanish.
Second Step also includes a bullying prevention unit designed to be used with the Second Step Violence Prevention program. Lessons are designed for grades K-3 (ages 5-9) or grades 4-5 (ages 9-11), and focuses on bullying as an expression of power.
According to the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL), two randomized control trials (RCTs) found increased positive social behavior, reduced conduct problems, and reduced emotional distress in students grades 1-6.
Tier 1, Grades K-8, Grades 6-12, Bullying/Violence Prevention