Summary
Second Step: Middle School Curriculum, offered by the Committee for Children, provides a lesson-based approach to SEL. It includes programming for grades 6-8 and demonstrates evidence of effectiveness in grade 6. Programming for Pre-K-5 are also available from Second Step. Translated materials for Second Step: Middle School Curriculum are available in Spanish and Portuguese.
Strategies supporting educational equity (CASEL)
Not available at this time.
Implementation
Below are key implementation details for this program. These specifications help determine if the program is a good fit for your school or organization.
Grade(s)
Middle (6-8)
Setting
Classroom, Schoolwide, Home
Language
English, Spanish, Additional Languages
Cost
For additional information please contact the provider
# Lessons
27
Program Design
Tier 1 (Universal)
Technology Requirements
For additional information please contact the provider
Staffing Requirements
No additional staffing required
Professional Development
Onsite in-person, Virtual
Outcomes
Improved SEL skills and attitudes
Reduced Emotional Distress
Improved Identity Development/ Agency
Improved Academic Performance
Reduced Problem Behavior
Improved School Climate
Improved School Connectedness
Improved Prosocial Behavior
Improved Teaching Practices
Improved SEL Skills and Attitude
Evidence of Effectiveness
Results from a randomized controlled trial conducted in the 2010-2011 academic year (published in 2013) supported the effectiveness of the Second Step Middle School Program for middle school students. This evaluation was conducted on a sample of 3,616 adolescents in grade 6 (35% Black/African American, 26% Latinx, 24% white, 15% Multiracial; 74% of students were eligible for free or reduced-price lunch (FRPL)) across 36 schools in the U.S. Midwest. This study found that students who participated in the program self-reported significant decreases in physical aggression compared to students in the control group (outcome reported approximately nine months after baseline, while controlling for outcome pre-test).
Published Studies
Espelage, D. L., Low, S., Polanin, J. R., & Brown, E. C. (2015). Clinical trial of Second Step middle-school program: Impact on aggression & victimization. Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology, 27, 52-63.
Espelage, D. L., Low, S., Van Ryzin, M. J., & Polanin, J. R. (2015). Clinical trial of the Second Step middle school program: Impact on bullying, cyberbullying, homophobic teasing, and sexual harassment perpetration. School Psychology Review, 44(4), 464-479.
Espelage, D. L., Low, S., Polanin, J. R., & Brown, E. C. (2013). The Impact of a Middle School Program to Reduce Aggression, Victimization, and Sexual Violence. The Journal of Adolescent Health, 53(2), 180-186.