Kutztown board approves Second Step pilot for high school after debate over curriculum modules

The Kutztown Area School District board on Dec. 16 approved a Second Step social-emotional learning pilot at the high school that administrators said will focus on core social-skills lessons for identified special-education classrooms and advisory supports.

During discussion a board member (speaker 4) said she was "always leery of all these websites that emphasize everything that has to do with race," and asked whether the vendor's materials would push content the board would not want. The administration (speaker 2 and speaker 6) and a staff presenter clarified the district intends to purchase only the core modules on skills such as recognizing and communicating emotions, taking turns, and showing kindness, and that more sensitive modules (on privilege or power) would not be purchased for the pilot.

An administrator offered to provide sample lessons at different grade levels for the board to review. The project cost for the pilot at the high school was listed as $1,389; the board approved the pilot by roll call.

Administrators said the Second Step materials have been used in K'8 programs previously and would be implemented selectively at the secondary level primarily for students with identified social-skills needs. Board members requested follow-up examples and clarification of which modules would be purchased before broader rollout.