Social Emotional Learning
Second Step is a universal classroom-based program for grades K-5 that helps students develop early learning and social-emotional skills to set them on the path for social success and academic readiness. This curriculum is scientific-based and research-validated. The units in the Second Step curriculum focus on early learning skills (listening, focusing attention, following directions, self-talk for staying on task and being assertive), empathy (how to identify feelings, and caring and helping others) impulse control and problem solving (how to control impulsive behaviors and how to solve a problem in five steps), anger management (how to manage emotions) and bullying. Second Step is used in conjunction with the Heartwood character education program for Joseph Sears School students.
Social emotional learning continues in junior high through daily advisory activities and through the health curriculum.