Stepping Up
A Social Learning Program for Grade 6
Middle School is a time of dramatic develpment for children. During this preliminary stage of transition from childhood to adulthood, our children experience many physical, emotional, social and behavioral changes. These vital years offer parents and educators a unique opportunity to influence and shape children's decision making skills and behaviors.
The Lincoln School Department recognizes the value of providing the SECOND STEP - Stepping Up program to its students.
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This program provides group instruction of social thinking and problem solving skills, co-taught by your childs advisory teacher and either the LMS school psychologist or LMS social worker.
Each 6th grade advisory class will recieve 6 lessons from the SECOND STEP program. These lessons will last approximately 25 minutes, and will not interfere with instructional time. The program is taught through discussion, small & large group activites, and analysis of program video clips.
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Only the sixth grade will be receiving the program, since this is its pilot year at Lincoln Middle School. We are optimistic that next year we will be able to include more students.
The Lincoln School Department recognizes the value of providing the SECOND STEP - Stepping Up program to its students.
******************************
This program provides group instruction of social thinking and problem solving skills, co-taught by your childs advisory teacher and either the LMS school psychologist or LMS social worker.
Each 6th grade advisory class will recieve 6 lessons from the SECOND STEP program. These lessons will last approximately 25 minutes, and will not interfere with instructional time. The program is taught through discussion, small & large group activites, and analysis of program video clips.
******************************
Only the sixth grade will be receiving the program, since this is its pilot year at Lincoln Middle School. We are optimistic that next year we will be able to include more students.
Awards & Endorsements
U.S. Department of Education
The SECOND STEP program has received the prestigious "Exemplary" award from the US Department of Education.
Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning
In 2002, the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) evaluated 81 multiyear programs to determine how well they enhanced students' social and emotional competence. The SECOND STEP program was designated a "CASEL Select Program," its highest rating.
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Research shows that "...students receiving school-based Social Emotional Learning (SEL) scored 11 percentile points higher on academic achievement tests than their peers who did not receive SEL."
References
Durlak, J. A., Weissberg, R. P., Taylor, R. D., & Dymnicki, A. B. (in preparation). The effects of school-based social and emotional learning: A meta-analytical review. Chicago: CASEL.
Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (2008). Social and emotional learning and student benefits: Implications for the Safe Schools/Healthy Students core elements. Washington, DC: National Center for Mental Health Promotion and Youth Violence Prevention, Education Development Center.
