Implementing Second Step® with Fidelity: Insights from Rural Educators
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.3776/tpre.2026.v16n1p136-161Keywords:
rural special education, social emotional learning, inclusive practices, rural mental healthAbstract
Although coaching is a promising intervention for promoting implementation of evidence-based practices with fidelity, less is known about applications in rural locales, which have unique strengths and challenges, including access, personnel, and geographic limitations. Additionally, little is currently known about how to best support special education teachers in rural settings to effectively implement SEL curricula in general, and specifically Second Step®. We used a multi-phase, mixed methods design within a descriptive multiple-case study framework to examine how individual educators experienced targeted instructional coaching for the implementation of Second Step. Findings indicate teachers increased fidelity of Second Step® implementation which led to improvements in inclusive practices, pedagogical skills, and educator confidence as well as increased student academic performance and social competencies. Implications for rural practice and future research directions are shared.
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