When Budgets Are Tight, Your Students Can’t Afford to Miss Out on Second Step® Programs

In today’s educational climate, where resources are stretched and every decision carries weight, school leaders are being asked to make tough choices. But one thing is clear: when budgets are tight, your students can’t afford to miss out on Second Step® programs—because strengthening human skills is not optional. It is essential.

The evidence shows that investing in Second Step human skills programs yields measurable and meaningful results, and this is supported by new findings from an Atlanta Public Schools (APS) study that demonstrates the programs’ impact.

The true cost of overlooking human skills instruction

When funding is limited, programs that support students’ emotional intelligence, mental well-being, interpersonal development, and decision-making are often the first to be cut. But this short-term thinking can have long-term consequences. Strong human skills aren’t a “nice-to-have”; they’re the foundation for student success.

The APS study: What the data tells us

Hanover Research conducted an independent, districtwide analysis of Atlanta Public Schools (APS), comparing schools with strong Second Step implementation to those with minimal engagement. The findings were powerful:

• Students in high-implementation schools were over 1.6 times more likely to achieve academic proficiency.
• Chronic absences dropped by 32%.
• Disciplinary incidents were reduced by 18%.

These numbers reflect more than just improved metrics; they represent students who are more present, more engaged, and more prepared to succeed in school and in the workforce later on.

Why human skills matter

Human skills—such as problem-solving, communication, and growth mindset—are the building blocks of a healthy, productive life. According to a recent meta-analysis, developing these skills can help students:

• Feel safer and more connected at school
• Build stronger relationships with peers
• Be more engaged in school
• Experience improved academic achievement

These outcomes aren’t just good for students. When students develop these skills, it’s good for teachers, families, and entire school communities.

The broader impact: From classrooms to communities

The benefits of human skills education extend far beyond the classroom. Schools that prioritize interventions like Second Step programs report:

• Improved school climate
• Higher teacher satisfaction
• Stronger family engagement
• Reduced behavioral disruptions

Students carry these skills into their homes, neighborhoods, and future workplaces, creating a ripple effect of positive change that benefits everyone. In fact, research shows that programs focused on strengthening human skills can yield an 11 to 1 return on investment. That means for every dollar spent, schools can see 11 dollars in long-term benefits, from reduced disciplinary costs to improved academic outcomes and mental wellness.

What happens when human skills are underfunded?

Universal school-based human skills programs can help remediate issues like:

• Absenteeism
• School safety
• Poor mental well-being
• Educator burnout

The loss of these supports could translate to increased costs associated with student behavioral issues and readiness to learn.

When students don’t feel emotionally safe or supported, learning takes a back seat.

Second Step® programs: A smart investment in every student’s future

The Second Step family of programs is more than a series of curricula; it’s a catalyst for change. It’s:

• Research- and evidence-based: Grounded in decades of research and real-world success
• Scalable: Designed to work across grade levels and diverse school settings
• Practical: Easy to implement with built-in supports for educators
• Impactful: Reaching more than 20 million children in the US and around the world each year

Even in times of financial constraint, Second Step programs stand out as a high-impact, cost-effective solution. Strengthening human skills is an investment in academic achievement, emotional well-being, and long-term success for every student.

Final thoughts: The real cost of doing nothing

When budgets are tight, it’s tempting to focus solely on core academics. But the truth is, human skills instruction isn’t a distraction from academics—it’s a foundation for academic success.

The APS study is a powerful reminder: Second Step programs work. Human skills matter.

And when implemented consistently, they positively impact schools, empower students, and build brighter futures. So, the next time you’re faced with a tough budget decision, ask yourself:

Can we really afford not to invest in Second Step programs?

You can schedule a free consultation to learn how these programs for Early Learning through Grade 12 can align with your district’s unique vision and goals.