Program Profile: Second Step for Elementary School (2011 Edition)

This is a school-based, social–emotional learning program for elementary school students. Teachers incorporate 25-40-minute lessons within the usual classroom curriculum. The program is rated No Effects. The treatment group displayed a statistically significant reduction in hyperactivity; however, there were no statistically significant differences between the treatment and control groups on measures of conduct problems, peer problems, social–emotional competence, or disruptive behaviors.

A No Effects rating implies that implementing the program is unlikely to result in the intended outcome(s) and may result in a negative outcome(s).

This program's rating is based on evidence that includes at least one high-quality randomized controlled trial.

This program's rating is based on evidence that includes either 1) one study conducted in multiple sites; or 2) two or three studies, each conducted at a different site. Learn about how we make the multisite determination.

Program Goals

Second Step (2011 edition) is a school-based, social-emotional learning (SEL) program for early elementary school students. The goal of this skills-focused, prevention program is to improve SEL outcomes and decrease instances of disruptive behavior among students. This edition of the program includes several revisions from previous editions; the most noteworthy is the addition of content related to three self-regulation skills (attention, working memory, inhibitory control) addressed in the first unit of each grade.

Program Activities/Target Population

The target population for the Second Step program is kindergarten through second-grade students. There are separate curricula for each grade, which allow teachers to deliver instruction that is developmentally appropriate and relevant. The curriculum includes 22 lessons organized into four units. These include 1) Skills for Learning, 2) Empathy, 3) Emotion Management, and 4) Problem Solving. Lessons are 25–40 minute and are incorporated into regular, daily classroom activity by teachers once a week.

A range of SEL skills and behaviors are taught and practiced, including being respectful, managing disappointment, and making friends. The program also includes scripted lesson cards, posters that outline learned skills, DVDs that illustrate certain skills, brain-builder games to increase retention and use of skills, and a binder with other materials for the program. 

Program Theory

The program was developed to account for a wide variance in social–emotional readiness in children when starting school. These differences in social–emotional readiness have been shown to worsen over time, if not addressed early. This program is based on the belief that students who receive direct instruction and reinforcement of SEL practices will exhibit improved behavioral and academic outcomes (Low et al. 2015).

Study 1

Using a matched, randomized-control design, Low and colleagues (2015) evaluated the elementary version of Second Step (2011 edition). A total of 61 schools across districts in Arizona (1 district) and Washington State (5 districts) participated in the study. Both urban and rural settings were represented. After accounting for attrition, 319 teachers (223 from Washington, 96 from Arizona) participated and 6,558 students (4,232 from Washington, 2,326 from Arizona) participated. The 61 schools were randomly assigned to either the early-start treatment group (n=31) or the delayed-start control group (n=30). Schools were paired and matched based on percentage of nonwhite students and participation in free and reduced lunch. No significant differences were found between treatment and control groups.  

Students in the study were in kindergarten through second grade. The sample in Arizona was 40.1 percent white, 0.3 percent Asian, 5.9 percent African American, 47.1 percent Latino/a, 6.3 percent Native American, 0.3 percent Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, and 10.1 percent unknown. The sample in Washington was 45.8 percent white, 18.2 percent Asian, 8.1 percent African American, 14.7 percent Latino/a, 1.6 percent Native American, and 1.7 percent Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander; in addition, 9.9 percent reported more than one race, and 20.4 percent were unknown. 

Fall 2012 and spring 2013 data was collected for baseline and follow-up observations, respectively. Student behavior was measured using the Devereux Student Strengths Assessment (DESSA) via online surveys completed by teachers. The Strengths Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was also completed by teachers to measure student behavior. 

A behavioral observation system was implemented and conducted by trained graduate students who coded their observations of students as either on-task, off-task, or disruptive. This system was developed based on the Behavioral Observation for Students in Schools (BOSS). Students were observed for 2 minutes total across 10-second intervals. Data was then analyzed using a mixed-model, time x condition analysis.

Online training assistance and Spanish translations are available at the Committee for Children Web site: http://www.cfchildren.org/second-step  

More information is also available at the Second Step Web site: http://www.secondstep.org/

These sources were used in the development of the program profile:

Following are CrimeSolutions-rated programs that are related to this practice:

Bullying Prevention Programs

The practice includes programs designed to reduce bullying perpetration and victimization and to increase positive bystander behavior in bullying situations. The practice is rated Effective for reducing bullying perpetration (e.g., overall and physical), reducing bullying victimization (e.g., overall and relational), and increasing positive bystander behavior. The practice is rated No Effects for increasing bystander empathy for bullying victims and reducing verbal bullying victimization.

Evidence Ratings for Outcomes

	Juvenile Problem & At-Risk Behaviors - Bullying
	Victimization - Overall bullying victimization
	Victimization - Relational bullying victimization
	Victimization - Physical bullying victimization
	Victimization - Bystander intervention
	Mental Health & Behavioral Health - Empathy for the victim
	Victimization - Verbal bullying victimization

School-Based Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Programs

Designed to foster the development of five interrelated sets of cognitive, affective, and behavioral competencies, in order to provide a foundation for better adjustment and academic performance in students, which can result in more positive social behaviors, fewer conduct problems, and less emotional distress. The practice was rated Effective in reducing students’ conduct problems and emotional stress.

Evidence Ratings for Outcomes

	Juvenile Problem & At-Risk Behaviors - Multiple juvenile problem/at-risk behaviors
	Mental Health & Behavioral Health - Internalizing behavior

Why might a practice's outcome ratings differ from the ratings of specific programs encompassed by that practice?