What Training Is Included with Second Step® Programs?

The Staff Training Toolkit included with this program is designed to support facilitator-led meetings throughout the year so you can:

• Kick off the SEL program successfully
• Check in with staff and monitor progress
• Reflect on accomplishments and how to improve

• Agendas for key staff meetings
• Editable presentations
• Videos
• Infographic handouts

Kick-Off Meeting: 2.5 hours

Check-In Meetings (four): 1 hour each

Wrap-Up Meeting: 1 hour

The Second Step Elementary and Second Step Middle School digital programs feature a variety of resources to guide teachers, leaders, and staff through the program and help them understand their role in a successful implementation.

For lesson instructors and staff, self-guided training provides everything needed to get started. By the end of training, lesson instructors and staff will:

• Understand what the Second Step program is and the research behind it
• Know which tools and resources to use and where to find them
• Gain strategies and guidance on how to teach and/or reinforce Second Step skills and concepts in the classroom and throughout the school building

Additional training resources include:

• Quick Start Guide videos to support lesson instructors with tips and recommendations for effective lesson delivery
• Unit Overview videos to support all staff in reinforcing the key terms, concepts, and skills throughout the day and in all areas of the school

For principals and other SEL leaders, the Implementation Guide is designed to help develop and operationalize an effective implementation plan that supports a holistic approach to SEL.

The Implementation Guide includes:

• Resources to learn about the Second Step program and the research behind it
• Tips and tools to plan for and lead a schoolwide implementation
• Customizable presentations to use when introducing the program with staff and when checking in during key points in the year
• Guidance and tools to monitor and evaluate implementation progress in support of ongoing improvement
• Recommendations about when and how to engage families

All-Staff Program Kick-Off: 30–60 minutes

Program Training: 30 minutes (staff), 60 minutes (lesson instructors)

All-Staff Unit Overview videos: 10 minutes per unit

For elementary staff, we offer online training and support materials to help you:

• Introduce the program, core social-emotional skills, and the research backing the curriculum
• Successfully launch, teach, and assess the program
• Understand how to reinforce skill use outside of lesson time

• Three video-based online training modules to introduce Second Step Elementary classroom kits and how to use them successfully
• Additional, self-serve support materials, including:
  • A getting-started checklist
  • Strategies for teaching the lessons
  • Tips and tools for managing classroom behavior

60–90 minutes

This four-part training can be done in one session or broken into multiple sessions.

• Part 1: What Is SEL and Why Is It Important?
• Part 2: What’s in Second Step® Out-of-School Time and Where Do I Find It?
• Part 3: How to Implement Second Step® Out-of-School Time Well
• Part 4: How Do I Respond When Kids Disclose Abuse or Neglect?

Staff training presentation slide deck

Approximately 3 hours

Training for this unit is designed to ensure administrators and staff understand their specific roles in bullying prevention.

• Principals and program coordinators learn how to develop effective bullying prevention policies and communication strategies
• All staff learn to recognize and deal effectively with bullying
• Educators and counselors learn how to teach the student lessons skillfully

Three online training modules, each designed for a specific audience:

1. Principals and program coordinators
2. All staff
3. Staff who will teach the student lessons

Module 1
Principals and Program Coordinators
45–60 minutes

Module 2
All-Staff Training
75–90 minutes

Module 3
Teach the Lessons
45–60 minutes

To support schoolwide efforts to protect children from abuse, we offer comprehensive, role-based training.

• Administrators learn how to develop strategies and effective policies and procedures to reduce risks, both for students and staff
• All staff learn how to recognize indicators of abuse and respond supportively
• Educators and counselors learn to competently and confidently teach age-appropriate student lessons about sensitive topics, such as personal boundaries and touching safety

Three online training modules, each designed for a specific audience:

1. Principals and program coordinators
2. All staff
3. Staff who will teach the student lessons

Module 1
Principals and Program Coordinators
75–90 minutes

Module 2
All-Staff Training
75–90 minutes

Module 3
Teach the Lessons
45–60 minutes