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Second Step programs are the trusted choice for district leaders who want measurable impact. Backed by decades of research and trusted by educators nationwide, these evidence-based programs strengthen the human skills that help students manage emotions, build relationships, solve problems, think critically, and make responsible decisions.
Second Step programs’ connected K–12 approach helps districts plan, implement, and measure impact at scale. Across grade levels, Second Step programs support school climate, academic motivation, prosocial behavior, and student attendance while giving educators practical tools and implementation support.
When you choose Second Step programs, you’re choosing more than curricula. You’re choosing a partner in strengthening the human skills students need to thrive in school, navigate an increasingly digital world, and prepare for the future.
At New York City Public Schools, your priorities are connected. Your approach can be, too.
Second Step programs help districts advance strategic goals through a coordinated Human Skills™ foundation, backed by research and supported by practical implementation resources. We work with districts to connect their priorities with relevant Second Step programs, educator support, and opportunities to measure progress.
We don’t just provide programs. We partner with districts to help turn priorities into measurable progress.
How Second Step programs align: Second Step programs help students develop critical thinking, self-management, and responsible decision-making skills. The Digital Well-Being unit addresses evaluating information and influence and using technology and AI thoughtfully.
District impact: Independent research of Second Step K–8 digital programs found improvements in academic motivation, teacher-student relationships, belonging, and school climate. These outcomes support the broader skills students need to safely and responsibly navigate changing digital environments.
How Second Step programs align: The Second Step Digital Well-Being unit helps students manage attention, recognize digital influence, and navigate online relationships. The core Second Step programs also support empathy, communication, and thoughtful choices.
District impact: Independent research of Second Step® Middle School found improvements in teacher-student relationships and belonging, relevant outcomes for building a more positive school climate as digital tools become more prevalent.
How Second Step programs align: Second Step programs’ connected K–12 approach and implementation resources provide a common human skills foundation, supported by training and planning tools for educators and leaders.
District impact: Second Step programs’ implementation supports are designed to help schools build consistency. WestEd research of Second Step programs showed improvements in school climate and student behavior in elementary and middle schools.
New York City Public Schools and Second Step® Programs: A Partnership for Success
Discover how Second Step programs can help New York City Public Schools advance strategic priorities around future-ready learning, responsible technology use, and student success. Through evidence-based, research-backed curriculum that supports digital citizenship, student well-being, and school climate, Second Step programs can help your district achieve its goals by strengthening the human skills that help students thrive.
View the Strategic Partnership Plan for New York City Public Schools.
When we initially started with our strategic plan, we identified, using different data pieces, that a low percentage of students were indicating a sense of belonging as a strength. So, we were really looking for and asking, how do we build that sense of belonging or that sense of community within our schools?
Independent research shows measurable improvements associated with Second Step K–8 digital programs in areas including student behavior, attendance, school climate, student-teacher relationships, and academic motivation and performance.
The Second Step Digital Well-Being specialized unit helps K–12 students navigate technology and AI with awareness, critical thinking, and responsibility. Students develop skills to manage attention, evaluate information and influence, build healthier online relationships, and make thoughtful digital choices.
From universal classroom instruction to small group supports, Second Step K–8 digital programs offer tiered options to help educators respond to different student needs and reinforce the development of human skills.
Whether implementing in one school or across an entire district, Second Step programs offer robust resources and flexible approaches to support district goals and implementation needs. Practical tools and implementation support help educators build consistency across schools and sustain the work over time.
Second Step programs include in-program training, practical resources, and ongoing support. In addition, professional learning workshops provide the opportunity for educators to receive hands-on training, helping them deliver lessons with confidence and integrate human skills instruction into their daily practice.
Second Step digital programs provide a coordinated solution across grade levels, with tools and supports designed to help districts align human skills instruction with multi-tiered systems of supports and student well-being priorities. The result is a more consistent approach that can scale across schools without adding another disconnected initiative.
Seeing students in our district show improvements in these areas is really powerful. We’re seeing that when you focus on implementing Second Step with fidelity, you get really great results.
Let’s talk about how Second Step programs can support the vision and priorities of New York City Public Schools.
Together, we can explore the right programs for your goals, discuss implementation and educator support, and identify how to evaluate impact.
Whether you’re ready to explore a districtwide approach or want to begin with a school-based trial, we can help you determine the right next step.
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