Getting Started with the Second Step® Bullying Prevention Unit
How to Create a Positive School Climate
Although it can be challenging, bullying prevention is possible. On this page, we outline how to get started with Bullying Prevention Unit training. Staff training is critical to bullying prevention. Thank you for doing your part!
Three Dos and a Don't
Do use the included (and unlimited!) staff training.
Do get access to the administrator dashboard by providing us with the administrator’s email address and school name upon purchase.
Do contact us with questions at support@secondstep.org or 800-634-4449, ext. 1. We’re here to help!
Don’t skip staff training.
Your staff may be eager to start teaching student lessons right away. When they do, kids will ask questions and want to share their experiences, so have the right policies and practices in place to ensure all adults are prepared to respond. Time is precious, but the training modules are short and relevant, with easy online access.
Effective Implementation for Appropriate Response
Bullying prevention is more effective when everyone recognizes bullying and responds appropriately. Studies show students who report bullying without receiving an appropriate response are less likely to report again. That’s why we include both staff training and student lessons to help create a positive school climate. Ready to get started?
Staff Training 101
- Designate a “primary administrator” for each school when you purchase the curriculum. This could be the principal, counselor, SEL coordinator, or a teacher. The primary administrator can also invite backup administrators to ensure someone can access the administrator dashboard at all times.
- Register your product to access the administrator dashboard and unlock key resources. Each administrator you designate will receive an email with a unique activation key that unlocks all online product resources and training. Register now. If you didn’t receive an email with an activation key, we may not have a correct email address. Contact us at support@secondstep.org or 800-634-4449, ext. 1.
- Train staff. Because staff training is key to bullying prevention, we’ve highlighted recommendations for you in the Pro Tips section. The modules are written for administrators, all staff and volunteers, or for those staff teaching the student lessons.
Pro Tips
- Complete the administrator training. Before staff begin training, review your school and district anti-bullying policies and complete Module 1 of this curriculum so you can communicate effectively with staff about policies and expectations.
- Host an all-staff meeting. You’ll improve staff participation if you discuss how collaboration makes bullying prevention possible: combining effective policies, staff training, and student lessons.
- Clearly communicate expectations. Do you want staff to complete the online training on their own time or during an in-service day? We recommend setting a completion date or scheduling the in-service date.
- Invite staff to the online training. Staff are more likely to complete training if you send them an email invitation from the administrator dashboard.
- Monitor staff progress. With the dashboard, you can see if staff members have completed the training or are still working on it, and you can send them reminders as needed.
Need help accessing the administrator dashboard?
We’re here for you!
Questions? Browse FAQs
Contact us at support@secondstep.org or 800-634-4449, ext. 1
Empower Students
Once staff complete their training, they begin teaching the lessons with a scope and sequence for each grade. Students will learn to use social-emotional skills to recognize, refuse, and report bullying.
- Give students opportunities to practice skills that will help develop their confidence to act responsibly in real-life situations.
- Encourage educators to use Summative Knowledge Assessments to evaluate student progress.
- Measure the frequency of bullying incidents over time with the Illinois Bully Scale.
- Use the included Snapshot Surveys to gather feedback from students and staff.
- Display Bullying Prevention Unit posters to remind students of their school’s commitment to create a positive climate. (Larger posters can also be ordered for the lunchroom, gym, etc.)
Engage Families
Make sure parents and caregivers understand your commitment and what they can do to help.
- Post the included Bullying Prevention Unit digital badge on the school website.
- Display Bullying Prevention Unit posters throughout the building.
- Make your school’s policies and procedures public and easy to find by posting them on your website and sharing highlights.
- Send home the family materials included in each grade.
- Encourage parents and caregivers to explore our free bullying prevention resources.
Celebrate Progress
Take time to acknowledge everyone’s hard work and congratulate staff and students. Together, schools like yours are creating a kinder and safer world.
