Second Step® Middle School
A Lasting Foundation for Success
Empowered with Skills for Life
Middle school is a time of change, growth, and life lessons. With Second Step® Middle School, you can help students communicate and collaborate, solve problems, make good decisions, set and meet goals, and process their emotions—skills they’ll use in the classroom and for the rest of their lives.
The evidence-based program features:
- A comprehensive, sequenced collection of weekly lessons for Grades 6–8 with supplemental advisory activities
- Opportunities for voice and choice, Real Voices videos with relatable stories from real students, and family resources to bring the learning home
- Thorough implementation support, program training, and leadership resources
Real-World Impact
Findings from two independent studies show Second Step Middle School improved students’ perceptions of school climate (teacher-student relationships, school belonging, and overall school environment) and, in one study, students’ English Language Arts course grades. In addition, students had 36% fewer office disciplinary referrals, 33–36% fewer suspensions, and 2.5 more days of attendance compared to students in the control group.
Tiered Interventions Available in August!
Meeting the diverse needs of today’s classrooms is more important than ever. That’s why we’re introducing new tiered interventions designed to support every student, at every level. Our new tiered intervention resources will include:
- Targeted Tier 2 small-group lessons: 18 ready-to-use lessons per grade band, with each lesson focused on building essential skills like emotion regulation, self-efficacy, decision-making, and stress management
- Tier 3 resources: Practical resources to support and guide educators
- Assessment Toolkit: Optional, easy-to-use pre-screeners and implementation guidance to help educators identify students in need of additional support
NEW Educator and Leader Workshops
The leader workshop equips administrators with research-based strategies to successfully implement Second Step Middle School. Participants will explore core components, align them with school goals, and integrate human skill-building into policies. Leaders will also learn to monitor progress, engage staff, and enhance student outcomes.
The educator workshop provides strategies to successfully implement Second Step Middle School and strengthen key human skills while offering practical approaches to enhancing student outcomes and classroom climate.
Space is limited—ask us how to reserve your spot today!
What’s Included in the Program?
The program contains 79 multimedia, teacher-led lessons in both English and Spanish, over 200 advisory activities, and optionally, a supplemental Recognizing Bullying & Harassment unit. It also includes professional learning, program training, family communications, and additional program supports such as academic lesson plans, book lists, and classroom strategies. Leaders access additional resources including an Implementation Guide and robust progress reporting for year-round success.
Unit
1
Mindsets & Goals
7 lessons per grade
Students learn how to develop a growth mindset and apply research-based goal-setting strategies to their social and academic lives. This unit’s content helps create classrooms that are connected and encouraging by helping students set and achieve collective and personal goals, learn from challenges, recognize their personal strengths, and explore the unique aspects of their identities.
Unit
2
Developing a Positive Sense of Self
6 lessons per grade
Students learn how to identify their guiding principles, explore different aspects of their self-concept, and practice strategies to build confidence. This unit’s content helps students view themselves positively and work toward becoming who they want to be.
Unit
3
Thoughts, Emotions & Decisions
6 lessons per grade
Students learn how to recognize strong emotions and unhelpful thoughts, and they learn to apply strategies for managing their emotions and reducing stress. This unit’s content helps students understand that all emotions are valuable because they provide us with information about our environment. Students learn to respond to their emotions in ways that help meet their wants and needs.
Unit
4
Managing Relationships & Social Conflict
7–8 lessons per grade
Students learn strategies for developing and maintaining healthy relationships, perspective-taking, and dealing with conflict. This unit’s content helps students learn to honor and understand differences based on varied personal, familial, and cultural backgrounds.
Resources
Sample a Lesson
Respectful Communication
Grade 6, Lesson 23
Sample This Lesson
Lesson Plan (PDF)
Student Handout (PDF)
Practicing Positive Self-Talk
Grade 7, Lesson 18
Sample This Lesson
Lesson Plan (PDF)
Student Handout (PDF)
Optional Unit
Recognizing Bullying & Harassment
6 lessons per grade
In addition to the four core units, this optional unit can be included at no additional charge. Students learn how to recognize bullying and harassment, stand up safely to bullying, and respond appropriately to harassment. School leaders can opt to include the unit via their leader dashboard.
Recognizing Bullying & Harassment Unit Scope and Sequence
Recognizing Bullying & Harassment Unit Review of Research
Environmental Factors that Contribute to Bullying
Grade 8, Lesson 3
Sample This Lesson
Lesson Plan
Student Handout
Find out more about Spanish-language materials in this program here.
We are committed to ensuring our programs are culturally relevant, affirming, and accessible to all children, especially the most systemically marginalized children. Learn more.
ParenTeen Connect
Included in the program, both in advisory materials for students and as an at-home family engagement resource, this online experience features candid videos and the guidance of parenting expert Dr. Laura Kastner. Designed by leading experts, it helps teens and the adults in their lives communicate, connect, and break through on hot-button topics like communication, independence, responsibility, and screen time.
Ready to Purchase?
You can purchase a single-school K–8 license in our online store. If you are purchasing for a district, learn about multisite savings or contact us for a detailed quote.
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