What Students Learn
How human skills empower students to thrive
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Essential human skills for school, work, and life
Across grade bands—PreK, elementary, middle school, and high school—Second Step programs teach developmentally sequenced skills that translate directly into improved school climate and better learning conditions.
This is why districts trust Second Step programs, not just because they work but because they work consistently, at scale, in real classrooms.
Problem-solving
Students learn how to break down challenges, think critically, and make thoughtful choices—skills that reduce conflict and build confidence.
Resilience
Resilience helps students recover from challenges and keep moving forward. It supports learning, motivation, and long-term success.
Communication
Clear communication helps students express themselves, listen well, and build relationships, creating calmer classrooms.
Collaboration
Students learn how to work with others, share ideas, and navigate groups—skills that support classroom success and future teamwork.
Emotion regulation
Emotion regulation helps students manage emotions in healthy ways, leading to calmer classrooms and fewer disruptions.
Executive functions
Students build planning, organization, and self-management skills that help them stay focused and complete tasks.
Growth mindset
A growth mindset helps students believe they can improve with effort. It increases persistence, motivation, and willingness to try challenges.
Empathy
Empathy helps students understand others’ perspectives and respond with care, strengthening relationships and school climate.
Kindness
Kindness supports positive behavior and builds connected, supportive classroom communities.
Confidence
Confidence helps students take on challenges, show initiative, and trust their abilities.
How students learn human skills
Clear, age-appropriate instruction
Modeling and real-life practice
Opportunities to reflect and apply skills
Reinforcement throughout the day and at home
Designed by research, backed by evidence
Second Step programs are built on decades of research and validated through independent studies. Schools see real improvements in student behavior, engagement, and school climate—giving educators confidence that time spent teaching human skills makes a meaningful difference.
Human skills that matter in every workplace
Employers across industries consistently say they rely on people who can communicate clearly, solve problems, work well with others, and adapt. These human skills matter as much as technical skills in hiring, and research shows that they often determine who succeeds and grows in their careers.
