SECOND STEP^® HIGH SCHOOL

Pathways to Possibility

High school graduates standing together in cap and gown.

Second Step® K–12 digital social-emotional learning programs provide a consistent, research-based experience that supports students throughout their entire academic journey, helping them build essential life skills they’ll use in the classroom and throughout their lives.

The Benefits of Second Step® Digital Programs

In today’s changing world, students need more than just academic skills to succeed in life after high school. To thrive in college and the modern workforce, they need skills that help them communicate well, adapt to complex situations, and collaborate with others. They need to be flexible, confident, self-aware, and resilient. To truly succeed, they need strong human skills.

This resource illustrates how Second Step® High School prepares students to thrive in college and their careers, no matter what path they choose to take. Through individual, classroom, and schoolwide learning experiences, students have multiple opportunities to develop and apply human skills.

The program ensures that human skills are more than just abstract concepts—they’re practical tools that students can use to build successful careers.

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Pathways to Possibility: Second Step® High School College and Career Readiness Guide

Program Highlights

Second Step® Elementary (K–5)

20 weekly 15- to 30-minute lessons for each grade, plus Brain Builder activities, engaging handouts, extension activities, songs, and videos

Four units: Growth Mindset & Goal-Setting, Emotion Management, Empathy & Kindness, Problem-Solving

Second Step® Middle School (6–8)

26 weekly 25-minute lessons for each grade, plus Real Voices videos and over 200 advisory activities

Four units + optional unit: Mindsets & Goals; Developing a Positive Sense of Self; Thoughts, Emotions & Decisions; Managing Relationships & Social Conflict

(Optional: Recognizing Bullying & Harassment)

Second Step® High School (9–12)

12 educator practices, 12 leader practices, and 48 student activities (12 per grade), with engaging videos and active learning that integrates into existing schedules

Four learning pathways: Belonging & Connection, Confidence & Capability, Agency & Opportunity, Well-Being & Community

Research Foundations

Our dedicated team of 10 researchers, including five doctorate-level scientists, designs Second Step programs using the latest research-based best practices in social-emotional learning, education, and psychology. We ensure our programs are grounded in up-to-date research and continuously improved through feedback from educator, leader, and student advisory groups as well as field-test sites.

Partnering with Districts Nationwide

From providing support for district and site leaders to fostering a lively online Second Step educator community, we partner with educators to make sure they have exactly what they need to build stronger school communities. With a 96.5% customer satisfaction rating, we are committed to your success.

SECOND STEP® HIGH SCHOOL