Social Emotional Learning

Trauma-informed practices

What is a trauma informed school?

Adults in a trauma-informed school are prepared to recognize and respond to those who have been impacted by traumatic stress. These adults include administrators, teachers, staff, parents, and law enforcement. Students are receive clear expectations and communication strategies to guide them through stressful situations. The goal is to not only provide tools to cope with extreme situations but to create a culture of respect, support and empathy.

Trauma services in schools

School services are important for at-risk youth living in under-resourced neighborhoods. At-risk youth are less likely to receive mental health services to address the negative developmental outcomes from trauma. Students who receive interventions and support from their school acquire skills that build stronger resilience.

Student misconduct at school and in the classroom is often related to stressful or traumatic events they experience in their neighborhood, community, or at home. Before taking disciplinary action, such as initiating a suspension, the administrator should consider restorative school-based measures, resources, and interventions that will address student needs.

Second Step

What is Second Step?

Second Step is a program rooted in social-emotional learning (SEL) that helps transform schools into supportive, successful learning environments uniquely equipped to encourage children to thrive. Second Step is more than just a classroom curriculum, Second Step’s holistic approach helps create a positive school climate and empathetic society by providing education professionals, families, and the community with tools to enable them to take an active role in the social-emotional growth and safety of today’s children.

What are the benefits of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)?

In classrooms from early learning through 8th grade, students are learning valuable social skills, emotions, and problem-solving strategies. Building a foundation of social skills is important for classroom management and independence. SEL provides the students with tools to engage in emotion management, situational awareness, and academic achievement. These skills are impactful for students lives because it goes beyond the classroom, in fact it helps students navigate through their community.

Why Second Step?

Second Step Social Emotional curriculum has been successfully implemented by over 26,000 schools worldwide. This curriculum is designed to align with district standards. Educators, counselors, and parents find the lesson plans easy to use. They have the opportunity to engage students in activities that promote problem solving, empathy, and social skills. Finally, Second Step has been endorsed by numerous organizations, including the Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL) and the Department of Education, for the quality of research, training, and teacher and family support.