District Toolkit
We have supported thousands of districts in understanding the need for human skills instruction and making the case to their communities. This toolkit gives you the resources you need to connect Second Step® programs to your district priorities and tell the story of impact in your school communities.
Build your case for Second Step® programs with confidence
Whether you want to help PreK–12 students strengthen foundational human skills or ensure high school students are equipped for their future, there’s a Second Step program to meet, and exceed, all of your students’ unique needs.
We understand that selecting the right program is an important decision. This toolkit is here to support your work, helping you understand your options, align stakeholders, and build a strong, informed case for your district.
Understand the need
This page has information on five Second Step programs. If you’re unsure which curriculum your child’s teacher is using, please contact your schoolExplore how human skills support student success, strengthen school climate, and help create learning environments where students and educators can thrive.
Second Step® Early Learning
Discover how Second Step Early Learning helps your littlest learners (ages 4–5) harness their energy and potential by teaching them to listen, pay attention, manage their behavior, and get along with others.
View a complete list of the units and Weekly Themes.
Learn about the research behind Second Step Early Learning.
Explore a Weekly Theme. We’ve included sample materials below.
Asking for What You Need or Want
Unit 1, Week 6
Second Step® Elementary Digital Program
Discover how the Second Step Elementary digital program helps children learn to persevere through challenges, manage emotions, build relationships, and solve conflicts.
View a complete list of the units and weekly lesson topics for Grades K–5.
Learn about the research behind the Second Step Elementary digital program.
Explore some of the Second Step Elementary digital program lessons. We’ve included a sample from each grade below.
Feeling Frustrated
Feeling Frustrated
The Way to Say a Problem
Asking Questions
Saying It Respectfully
When? Where? Who?
Second Step® Elementary Classroom Kits
Discover how Second Step Elementary classroom kits help children learn to persevere through challenges, manage emotions, build relationships, and solve conflicts.
View a complete list of the units and weekly lesson topics for Grades K–5.
Learn about the research behind Second Step Elementary classroom kits.
Explore excerpts from Second Step Elementary classroom kit lesson videos. We’ve included a sample from Grades 1, 2, and 3 below.
Second Step® Middle School
Discover how Second Step Middle School strengthens children’s human skills with videos, discussions, and activities.
View a complete list of the units and weekly lesson topics for Grades 6–8.
Learn about the research behind Second Step Middle School.
Explore some of the Second Step Middle School lessons. We’ve included a sample from each grade below.
Respectful Communication
Practicing Positive Self-Talk
Environmental Factors that Contribute to Bullying
Second Step® High School
Discover how Second Step® High School sets up schools for success with practices and activities that engage students, resources to support educators, and a flexible digital format to meet the diverse needs of any school community.
View the Scope and Sequence (PDF) for a full list of the collections and the practice and activity topics in each of the program’s four pathways, which span Grades 9–12.
In the Research Summary (PDF), you’ll learn about the program’s research foundation.
We’ve also included samples of a schoolwide practice, educator practice, and student activity for you to explore.
Educator Practice
Recognizing Contributions
In this practice, leaders publicly recognize students and staff for their remarkable contributions to the school community.
Pathway 3: Agency & Opportunity
Sample This Schoolwide Practice
Educator Practice
Choice Boards
In this practice, educators create materials to boost student engagement in an upcoming lesson by giving students choices in their approach to learning.
Pathway 3: Agency & Opportunity
Sample This Educator Practice
Student Activity
Guess Who?
In this activity, students guess each other’s strengths and then discuss and reflect on their own positive qualities.
Pathway 3: Agency & Opportunity
Sample This Student Activity
ParenTeen Connect
This free, public resource features videos, information, and useful advice to help teens and the adults in their lives address hot-button topics. The site complements Second Step Middle School classroom activities and serves as a stand-alone family resource.
About Us
The Second Step group of programs is brought to you by Committee for Children. Since 1979, we’ve worked to ensure that children everywhere can thrive socially, emotionally, and academically. We reach over 20 million children worldwide each year, empowering them with skills to help realize their goals in the classroom and throughout their lives.
