4 Reasons Second Step® Middle School Is More Engaging than Ever

As the makers of Second Step® Middle School, we know how essential student engagement is for any healthy classroom. And we know how challenging it can be when students check out. We use our evolving understanding of how students learn to design programs that keep them engaged, challenged, and excited about learning—and we’re committed to improving those programs over time to make them even more effective.

That’s why we’re so excited to introduce updates to our Second Step® Middle School program, updates that came from feedback from thousands of educators and students across the United States. When it comes to engaging students, equipping educators, and empowering them all with tools to thrive in middle school, the updated Second Step® Middle School program is better than ever. Here are four reasons why.

1. An All-New Unit on Developing a Positive Sense of Self

As middle school students navigate the transition from childhood to adolescence, they begin to consider on a deeper level who they are, how they show up in the world, and what kind of person they want to become. They become more independent, and their relationships with others become more important. The updated program includes an all-new unit designed to place a greater emphasis on the development of students’ confidence in themselves and their capabilities.

In the new unit, Developing a Positive Sense of Self, students gain a better understanding of themselves, recognize their strengths, and identify areas for growth. Lessons in this unit also teach practical strategies students can use to make decisions they feel good about and take steps toward who they want to be in the future.

4. Teachers and School Leaders Get More Time Back

The updated program requires less of busy teachers’ valuable preparation time, allowing them to focus more on students and teaching. Individual lesson plans were removed for a more streamlined experience, an approach that was favored by the teachers in our focus groups. Other text-based instructions have been revised so the class can more smoothly carry out on-screen instructions.

Empowered to Thrive Together

For an educator, there are few things more exciting than seeing your students engaged in what they’re learning. The updated Second Step Middle School program helps students and educators more actively engage in the process of strengthening human skills. Together, let’s create a more engaging, empowering learning experience for middle school students.