MCCSC utilizes the Second Step program for our Elementary and Middle school students.

• Second Step® Elementary (K–5) includes 20 weekly lessons per grade across four units. This program includes Brain Builder activities to support executive function and student engagement.

• Second Step® Middle School (6–8) includes 26 weekly lessons per grade across four units. This program also includes nearly 200 optional advisory activities to support additional SEL practice within the context of an advisory program.

• Lessons are reinforced throughout the academic day through brain builder activities, connections with core academic content areas, and daily interactions with teachers and peers.

The Second Step program teaches skills in the following four areas:
1. Skills for Learning: Students gain skills to help themselves learn, including how to focus their attention, listen carefully, use self-talk to stay on task, and be assertive when asking for help with schoolwork.
2. Empathy: Students learn to identify and understand their own and others’ feelings. Students also learn how to take another’s perspective and how to show compassion.
3. Emotion Management: Students learn specific skills for calming down when experiencing strong feelings, such as anxiety or anger.
4. Problem Solving: Students learn a process for solving problems with others in a positive way.

Scope and Sequence for Second Step Curriculum, K-8 

MCCSC utilizes the School-Connect program for our High School students.

School-Connect focuses on the five social and emotional competency areas identified by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) as critical to young people’s success in school, the workplace, and life.

Module 1:Creating a Supportive Learning Community: 

In this module, teachers and students work together to create the type of learning environment that is welcoming, supportive, and instructive of how to succeed in school. The lessons are designed to help students:

• Become familiar with cooperative learning strategies that increase engagement in learning (e.g., think-pair-share, class discussions, group activities, jigsaw, and active listening)
• Gain an awareness of what affects the social functioning of groups
• Build supportive relationships with their teacher and classmates
• Recognize the value of an education and why it is important to do well in school
• Develop the mental frameworks, organizational strategies, and study skills that lead to academic success

Module 2: Developing Self-Awareness and Self-Managment: 

In this module, students build intrapersonal awareness of their thought processes, emotions, strengths, and hopes for the future, and practice self-management strategies. The lessons are designed to help students:

• Understand the effects of thought on emotions and behavior
• Be aware of and manage their emotions
• Reduce habits of negative thinking
• Induce positive emotions
• Develop coping strategies for stress reduction
• Identify their strengths and interests
• Explore careers and colleges
• Set and achieve goals

Module 3: Building Relationships and Resolving Conflicts: 

In this module, students explore how to build positive, healthy relationships, resolve conflicts, and make responsible decisions. The lessons are designed to help students:

• Develop skills that build positive relationships
• Empathize with and show compassion for others
• Apply a problem-solving approach to conflicts
• Make responsible decisions that impact their lives in positive ways
• Manage social media and resist cyberbullying
• Deal with gossip, bullying, and negative peer pressure
• Understand and utilize the power of apologizing and forgiving
• Develop healthy guidelines for dating
• Understand the importance of helping others and volunteering

 Module 4: Preparing for College and the Workforce

Inspired by the many requests from School-Connect educators for lessons for 11th and 12th grade students, this new module applies social & emotional skills to employability skills, the college application process, and ultimately preparing for independent living. As high school students head out into the world and experience greater independence and responsibility, this module will help equip them to:

• Set goals and transition successfully from high school to college and/or the workforce.
• Identify "best fit" colleges and complete their college applications.
• Write a compelling college essay that highlights their social, emotional, and academic skills.
• Work well together with co-workers, classmates, customers, and their employer/teachers.
• Learn from feedback to improve their performance at school, home, and work.
• Handle high-pressure times by managing stress and applying mindfulness.
• Keep a budget and make smart, safe financial decisions

Social and Emotional Learning Competencies

5 Keys to Successful Social and Emotional Learning

A video from Edutopia discussing the 5 keys to successful social and emotional learning.

Studies show that sustained and well-integrated social and emotional learning (SEL) engages students and improves achievement. Explore classroom practices that make up the most effective SEL programs.

Author: Edutopia   

SELF-AWARENESS

The ability to accurately recognize one’s own emotions, thoughts, and values and how they influence behavior. The ability to accurately assess one’s strengths and limitations, with a well-grounded sense of confidence, optimism, and a “growth mindset.”

SELF-MANAGEMENT

The ability to successfully regulate one’s emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in different situations — effectively managing stress, controlling impulses, and motivating oneself. The ability to set and work toward personal and academic goals.

SOCIAL AWARENESS

The ability to take the perspective of and empathize with others, including those from diverse backgrounds and cultures. The ability to understand social and ethical norms for behavior and to recognize family, school, and community resources and supports.

RELATIONSHIP SKILLS

The ability to establish and maintain healthy and rewarding relationships with diverse individuals and groups. The ability to communicate clearly, listen well, cooperate with others, resist inappropriate social pressure, negotiate conflict constructively, and seek and offer help when needed.

RESPONSIBLE DECISION-MAKING

The ability to make constructive choices about personal behavior and social interactions based on ethical standards, safety concerns, and social norms. The realistic evaluation of consequences of various actions, and a consideration of the well-being of oneself and others.

• Identifying emotions
• Accurate self-perception
• Recognizing strengths
• Self-confidence
• Self-efficacy
• Impulse control
• Stress management
• Self-discipline
• Self-motivation
• Goal-setting
• Organizational skills
• Perspective-taking
• Empathy
• Appreciating diversity
• Respect for others
• Communication
• Social engagement
• Relationship-building
• Teamwork
• Identifying problems
• Analyzing situations
• Solving problems
• Evaluating
• Reflecting
• Ethical responsibility