Agenda Item
a. Renewal: Second Step Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Digital Program (Not to exceed $313,821.90)
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 County Board of Education approve the renewal to purchase, for one additional year, the Second Step Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Digital Program for the 2026-2027 school year for an amount not to exceed $313,821.90.
Why: Second Step is a comprehensive, classroom-based social skills program designed for students ages 4-14, spanning preschool through middle school. The curriculum is tailored for each grade level and focuses on reducing impulsive, high-risk, and aggressive behaviors while strengthening essential social-emotional competencies. Its core objectives include developing students’ self-regulation, empathy, problem-solving abilities, and overall social-emotional skills. By intentionally building these competencies, the Second Step curriculum supports a positive school climate and culture, contributing to students’ overall well-being, readiness to learn, and long-term success.
Details: Second Step® Elementary Digital (Grades K-5)
• Twenty (20) research-based lessons, taught once per week for 15- to 25-minutes at each grade level.
• Divided into four (4) units: Growth Mindset & Goal Setting, Emotion Management, Empathy & Kindness, and Problem-Solving. DeKalb also uses the optional Bullying and Child Protection (Erin’s Law) Units.
• Eighteen (18) targeted Tier 2 small group lessons.
• Tier 3 resources.
• Assessment Toolkit: Optional, easy-to-use universal screen, teacher referral rubric, and implementation guidance to help educators identify students in need of additional support.
• Interactive and engaging content includes videos, stories, new Brain Builder games, songs, and more.
• Aligned with Georgia ELL and Social Studies Standards
• Program training and school-wide implementation support resources are included.
Second Step® Middle School (Grades 6-8)
• Twenty-six (26) research-based and highly engaging lessons for each distinct grade level.
• Taught once per week, 25-minute interactive lessons include videos and game-like activities.
• Lessons are divided into four (4) units: Mindsets and Goals; Developing a Positive Sense of Self; Thoughts, Emotions, and Decisions; and Managing Relationships & Social Conflict & Recognizing Bullying & Harassment (optional unit DeKalb uses)
• Aligns with Georgia ELL and Social Studies Standards.
• Real Voices videos feature a diverse set of unscripted interviews with students from around U.S.
• Eighteen (18) targeted Tier 2 small group lessons.
• Tier 3 resources.
• Assessment Toolkit: Optional, easy-to-use pre-screeners and implementation guidance to help educators identify students in need of additional support
• Reinforcing content is built-in with 200 engaging 10-to-15-minute advisory activities.
• ParenTeen Connect - both in advisory materials for students and as an at-home family engagement resource featuring candid videos and guidance by leading experts on topics like communication, independence, responsibility and screen time.
• Program training and school-wide implementation support resources are included.
Financial impact: The total not-to-exceed budget of $313,821.90 for the 1-year license renewal 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, Senior Counseling Coordinator & Student Advancement, Division of Wrap Around Services, 404.808.8942
Effective: 08/01/2026
Status: Approved by the Office of Legal Affairs