Agenda Item
b. Renewal: Second Step Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Digital Program (Not to exceed $275,372)
Summary: Presented by: Kishia K. Towns, Ph.D., Chief of Wrap Around Services, Division of Wrap Around Services
Request: It is requested that the DeKalb Board of Education approve the renewal to purchase the Second Step Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Digital Program for the 2025-2026 school year for an amount not to exceed $275,372.
Why: Second Step is a comprehensive classroom-based social skills program designed for students aged 4 to 14, spanning preschool through middle school. The program features a tailored curriculum for each grade level, aimed at reducing impulsive, high-risk, and aggressive behaviors among children. Its core objectives include enhancing children's self-regulation, social-emotional skills, problem-solving abilities, and empathy. By focusing on these areas, Second Step seeks to foster a positive school culture and climate, ultimately contributing to the overall well-being and competence of students.
Details: Second Step Elementary Digital (Grades K-5):
· Twenty (20) research-based lessons, taught once per week for 15-25 minutes at each grade level.
· Interactive and engaging content including video, stories, new Brain Builder games, songs and more.
· Divided into four (4) units: Growth Mindset & Goal Setting, Emotion Management, Empathy & Kindness, and Problem-Solving.
· Aligned with Georgia ELL and Social Studies Standards.
· Program training and school-wide implementation support resources are included.
Financial impact: The total not-to-exceed budget of $275,372 for the 1-year K-8 license will be purchased using funds from the Purchased Professional/Technical Services account code: 100.1000.553200.03111.7370.9990.8010.090.0000.
Contact: Kishia K. Towns, Ph.D., Chief of Wrap Around Services, Division of Wrap Around Services, 678.676.1811,
Dr. Shannon Crosslin, Sr. Counseling Coordinator, Student Advancement, Division of Wrap Around Services, 404.808.8942
Effective: Upon Board Approval
Status: Approved by the Office of Legal Affairs
DeKalb County
School District:
A Snapshot of
SEL Usage
The Importance of SEL
SEL Second Step Lessons in Middle Schools
A total of 79 SEL lessonsin both Includes a Bullying Facilitated by school
English & Spanish Component counselors
The middle schools in DeKalb County School District have a comprehensive SEL program that
provides students with 26 lessons per grade level, including a unit on addressing bullying.
DCSD MIDDLE SCHOOL
2024-2025 SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING
DATA SUMMARY
District and School Completion Rate
Month 6th Grade Lessons 23-24 24-25 % Difference
September Lesson 1a: Starti ng Middle School 64% 81% 23.45%
October Bullyi ng Lesson 2: Recognizing Bull ying 41% 73% 56%
October Bullyi ng Lesson 3: Responding to Online Bullying n/a 69%
November Lesson 21: Why Confli cts Escalate 31% 74% 81%
December Lesson 14: What Emotions Tell You 58% 74% 24%
January Lesson 8: W hat are Guiding Pri nci pl es 66% 59% 11%
February Lesson 23: Respectful Communicat ion n/a 59%
March Lesson 4 & 6: Teen Lures 48% 63% 27%
May Lesson 12: Thi nking Short-Term & Long-Term n/a 44%
Month 7th Grade Lessons 23-24 24-25 % Difference
September Lesson 1b: Helping New Student s 62% 76% 20%
October Bullyi ng Lesson 1: W hat is Harassment 63% 74% 16%
October Bullyi ng Lesson 5: Our Rights & Responsibil ities n/a 59%
November Lesson 21: Keeping Cool in Conflicts 46% 70% 41%
December Lesson 14: Emotions Matter 58% 43% 29%
January Lesson 8: W hat i s Sel f -Concept n/a 72%
February Lesson 25 : Taki ng Responsibility for Your Actions n/a 70%
March Lessons 4 & 6 :Teen Lures 62% 61% 1.63%
May Lesson 12 Your Future Concept n/a 1%
Month 8th Grade Lessons 23-24 24-25 % Difference
September Lesson 2: W ho Am I? My Identity 57% 87% 42%
October Lesson 2: Social Factors that Contribute to Bully ing 32% 88% 93%
October Lesson 5: Be Incl usive & Ask for Change 83%
November Lesson 22: Recognizing Ot her's Perspective 39% 80% 70%
December Lesson 14: Underst anding Stress & Anxiety 53% 79% 40%
January Lesson 9: Sources of Confidence 85%
February Lesson 21: Values and Rel ationships 43% 83% 63%
March Lessons 4 & 6: Teen Lures 50% 82% 49%
May Lesson 12: Agency & Confidence n/a 67%
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) matters because it equips students with essential skills to manage emotions, build healthy relationships, and make
responsible decisions. These skills foster better academic performance, mental well-being, and long-term success in life.
N/A = Second Step Lesson new lesson added to the curriculum for the 24-25 school year
Month 6th Grade Lessons 23-24 24-25 % Difference
September Lesson 1a: Starting Middle School 64% 81% 23.45%
October Bullying Lesson 2: Recognizing Bullying 41% 73% 56%
October Bullying Lesson 3: Responding to Online Bullying n/a 69%
November Lesson 21: Why Conflicts Escalate 31% 74% 81%
December Lesson 14: What Emotions Tell You 58% 74% 24%
January Lesson 8: What are Guiding Principles 66% 59% 11%
February Lesson 23: Respectful Communication n/a 59%
March Lesson 4 & 6: Teen Lures 48% 63% 27%
May Lesson 12: Thinking Short-Term & Long-Term n/a 44%
N/A = Second Step Lesson new lesson added to the curriculum for the 24-25 school year
Month 7th Grade Lessons 23-24 24-25 % Difference
September Lesson 1b: Helping New Students 62% 76% 20%
October Bullying Lesson 1: What is Harassment 63% 74% 16%
October Bullying Lesson 5: Our Rights & Responsibilities n/a 59%
November Lesson 21: Keeping Cool in Conflicts 46% 70% 41%
December Lesson 14: Emotions Matter 58% 43% 29%
January Lesson 8: What is Self -Concept n/a 72%
February Lesson 25 : Taking Responsibility for Your Actions n/a 70%
March Lessons 4 & 6 :Teen Lures 62% 61% 1.63%
May Lesson 12 Your Future Concept n/a 1%
N/A = Second Step new lesson added to the curriculum for the 24-25 school year
Month 8th Grade Lessons 23-24 24-25 % Difference
September Lesson 2: Who Am I? My Identity 57% 87% 42%
October Lesson 2: Social Factors that Contribute to Bullying 32% 88% 93%
October Lesson 5: Be Inclusive & Ask for Change n/a 83%
November Lesson 22: Recognizing Other's Perspective 39% 80% 70%
December Lesson 14: Understanding Stress & Anxiety 53% 79% 40%
January Lesson 9: Sources of Confidence n/a 85%
February Lesson 21: Values and Relationships 43% 83% 63%
March Lessons 4 & 6: Teen Lures 50% 82% 49%
May Lesson 12: Agency & Confidence n/a 67%
N/A = Second Step new lesson added to the curriculum for the 24-25 school year
SEL Second Step Elementary Lessons
20 SEL lessons per grade level Supplemental units on Lessons from September to
(K-5) Bullying and Child Protection May
The elementary schools in DeKalb County School District have a robust SEL program,
with 20 lessons per grade level (K-5) delivered by school counselors throughout the
academic year. This comprehensive approach demonstrates the district's commitment
to supporting the holistic development of its students.
DCSD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING
DATA SUMMARY
District Completion Rate 23-24SY to 24-25SY
Month Kindergarten Lessons 23-24SY 24-25SY % Difference
September We W atch, We Learn, We Think 28% 54% 26%
September Why We Pay Attention 26% 51% 25%
October Recognizing Bully ing 34% 56% 22%
October Reporting Bul lying 28% 57% 29%
November Sometimes We Feel Happy 22% 45% 23%
February We Can Be Ki nd 17% 45% 28%
March Ways to Stay Safe 29% 51% 22%
March The Touchi ng Rule 11% 39% 28%
May We Can Say the Problem 7% 30% 23%
Month 1st Grade Lessons 23-24SY 24-25SY % Difference
September Time to Pay At tenti on 72% 58% -14%
September Everyone Gets Distracted 28% 52% 24%
October Recognizing Bully ing 41% 63% 22%
October Reporting Bul lying 36% 54% 18%
November Notici ng Feelings 26% 46% 20%
February The Power of Kind Acts 20% 46% 26%
March Ways to Stay Safe 37% 54% 17%
March The Touchi ng Rule 14% 43% 29%
May How to Say the Problem 11% 34% 23%
Month 2nd Grade Lessons 23-24SY 24-25SY % Difference
September How to Get Good at Something 35% 63% 28%
September What Mistakes Tel l Us 30% 57% 27%
October Recognizing Bully ing 49% 67% 18%
October Reporting Bul lying 44% 60% 16%
November Feeling Proud 28% 50% 22%
February What's Empathy? 25% 45% 20%
March Ways to Stay Safe 35% 56% 21%
March The Touchi ng Rule 15% 42% 27%
May The W ay t o Say a Problem 12% 34% 22%
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) matters because it equips students with essential skills to manage emotions, build healthy
relationships, and make responsible decisions. These skills foster better academic performance, mental well -being, and long-
term success in life.
DCSD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING
DATA SUMMARY
District Completion Rate 23-24SY to 24-25SY
Month 3rd Grade Lessons 23-24SY 24-25SY % Difference
September Changing Your Brain 26% 63% 37%
September Getting Better With Practice 21% 54% 33%
October Recognizing Bully ing 33% 59% 26%
October Reporting Bul lying 40% 98% 58%
November Why Emotions? 25% 97% 72%
February Kindness and Friendship 22% 90% 68%
March Ways to Stay Safe 32% 52% 20%
March The Touchi ng Rule 11% 43% 32%
May STEP by Step 10% 26% 16%
Month 4th Grade Lessons 23-24SY 24-25SY % Difference
September Setti ng a Good Goal 32% 66% 34%
September Making a Plan 28% 54% 26%
October Recognize, Report, Refuse 41% 70% 29%
October Bystander Power 35% 60% 25%
November The Balanced Brain 28% 49% 21%
February The Same, But Different 30% 46% 16%
March Keeping Yourself Safe 28% 57% 29%
March The Pri vate Body Parts Rule 14% 48% 34%
May A Good Probl em-Sol ver 10% 29% 19%
Month 5th Grade Lessons 23-24SY 24-25SY % Difference
September My Plan 22% 51% 29%
September The Right Goal for Me 26% 58% 32%
October Recognize, Report, Refuse 40% 64% 24%
October Bystander Power 23% 56% 33%
November St rong Emoti ons 29% 48% 19%
February Empat hy in the Communi ty 23% 43% 20%
March Keeping Yourself Safe 29% 49% 20%
March The Pri vate Body Parts Rule 16% 42% 26%
May Beginning t o STEP 9% 29% 20%
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) matters because it equips students with essential skills to manage emotions, build healthy
relationships, and make responsible decisions. These skills foster better academic performance, mental well -being, and long-
term success in life.
Month Kindergarten Lessons 23-24SY 24-25SY % Difference
September We Watch, We Learn, We Think 28% 54% 26%
September Why We Pay Attention 26% 51% 25%
October Recognizing Bullying 34% 56% 22%
October Reporting Bullying 28% 57% 29%
November Sometimes We Feel Happy 22% 45% 23%
February We Can Be Kind 17% 45% 28%
March Ways to Stay Safe 29% 51% 22%
March The Touching Rule 11% 39% 28%
May We Can Say the Problem 7% 30% 23%
Month 1st Grade Lessons 23-24SY 24-25SY % Difference
September Time to Pay Attention 72% 58% -14%
September Everyone Gets Distracted 28% 52% 24%
October Recognizing Bullying 41% 63% 22%
October Reporting Bullying 36% 54% 18%
November Noticing Feelings 26% 46% 20%
February The Power of Kind Acts 20% 46% 26%
March Ways to Stay Safe 37% 54% 17%
March The Touching Rule 14% 43% 29%
May How to Say the Problem 11% 34% 23%
Month 2nd Grade Lessons 23-24SY 24-25SY % Difference
September How to Get Good at Something 35% 63% 28%
September What Mistakes Tell Us 30% 57% 27%
October Recognizing Bullying 49% 67% 18%
October Reporting Bullying 44% 60% 16%
November Feeling Proud 28% 50% 22%
February What's Empathy? 25% 45% 20%
March Ways to Stay Safe 35% 56% 21%
March The Touching Rule 15% 42% 27%
May The Way to Say a Problem 12% 34% 22%
Month 3rd Grade Lessons 23-24SY 24-25SY % Difference
September Changing Your Brain 26% 63% 37%
September Getting Better With Practice 21% 54% 33%
October Recognizing Bullying 33% 59% 26%
October Reporting Bullying 40% 98% 58%
November Why Emotions? 25% 97% 72%
February Kindness and Friendship 22% 90% 68%
March Ways to Stay Safe 32% 52% 20%
March The Touching Rule 11% 43% 32%
May STEP by Step 10% 26% 16%
Month 4th Grade Lessons 23-24SY 24-25SY % Difference
September Setting a Good Goal 32% 66% 34%
September Making a Plan 28% 54% 26%
October Recognize, Report, Refuse 41% 70% 29%
October Bystander Power 35% 60% 25%
November The Balanced Brain 28% 49% 21%
February The Same, But Different 30% 46% 16%
March Keeping Yourself Safe 28% 57% 29%
March The Private Body Parts Rule 14% 48% 34%
May A Good Problem-Solver 10% 29% 19%
Month 5th Grade Lessons 23-24SY 24-25SY % Difference
September My Plan 22% 51% 29%
September The Right Goal for Me 26% 58% 32%
October Recognize, Report, Refuse 40% 64% 24%
October Bystander Power 23% 56% 33%
November Strong Emotions 29% 48% 19%
February Empathy in the Community 23% 43% 20%
March Keeping Yourself Safe 29% 49% 20%
March The Private Body Parts Rule 16% 42% 26%
May Beginning to STEP 9% 29% 20%
ELEMENTARY LESSON COMPLETION BY GRADE
Lesson Completion 23-24SY Lesson Completion 24-25SY
65%
53% 53%
50%
49%
48%
32%
30%
27%
24% 24%
22%
K 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th
Reduction in Student Behavior
Improved Student Attendance:
Incidents: Campuses
Schools with increased SEL lesson
implementing SEL consistently
completion reported fewer
saw noticeable declines in office
chronic absenteeism cases,
referrals, suspensions, and
indicating stronger student
disruptive behavior, fostering a
engagement and connection to
more positive learning
school.
environment.
Academic Gains: Students
Enhanced School Climate: Staff
participating in regular SEL lessons
Outcomes of
and student feedback highlighted
demonstrated increased focus,
improved peer relationships,
persistence, and classroom
stronger sense of belonging, and
participation—contributing to
SEL Lessons
more respectful communication
improved academic performance,
schoolwide.
especially in literacy and math.
Increased Social and Emotional
Competency: Students showed
measurable growth in self-
regulation, empathy, and
responsible decision-making—
skills that support long-term
academic and life success.
Call to Action
• Continue Supporting SEL Programs • Collaborate with Educators
• Enhance SEL Curriculum
• Allocate Necessary Resources
• Promote Student Engagement
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