The Second Step program has taken a step up into Simi Valley middle schools this year, and teachers are hoping its lessons of nonviolence will affect older students as well as younger ones.

Second Step was first implemented in 2004 in Simi Valley Unified at the elementary school level and has since been introduced in 14 of the 21 elementary schools in the district. Its focus is to teach students that violence is not an acceptable method of solving problems, according to Debra Jewell, counselor at Sinaloa Middle School.

Simi's middle schools began introducing Second Step to its students in January, and many district teachers have already been trained to present its lessons. Each department- from math and science to English and history- is presenting a different lesson, so every teacher will be familiar with the program and better able to teach the curriculum, Jewell said.

Bill Waxman, director of secondary education for the district, updated the Simi Valley school board at its March 13 meeting on the progress and effectiveness of the program, stressing the positive response the program has received at middle schools.

"There has been an overall change in the entire school climate and culture because the Second Step program is referenced not only in the classroom, it is something that students recognize and (use)," Waxman said.

Several of the middle schools using the program have already reported a reduction in the overall number of suspensions and disciplinary referrals, according to Waxman, although he couldn't say just how many.

The goal of implementing the Second Step program in middle schools is to expand on those lessons taught at the elementary level, he said.

"Thus far the responses we have gotten have been very positive," Waxman said. "The teachers have been pleased with the level of conversation that these lessons spark among students."

Pat Hauser, elementary school coordinator, suggested that it may take time for the program to make a difference among sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders.

"Results are not immediate," Hauser said. "It takes some time to see significant results, but they are noticeable."

What students learn through Second Step in elementary school will now be reinforced in middle school through role playing, group discussions and video, Waxman said. The program is meant to instill the importance of choice, he said, and it enables students to recognize potentially harmful situations and deal with them in nonviolent ways.

"Less worries about stereotypes, less worries about bullying and less worries about aggressive behavior translate into a more focused concentration on the academic studies that we are all so eager to have our students engage in," Waxman said.

School Board President Janice DiFatta said that the implementation of Second Step is not the result of any specific problem the district is having with violence.

"The intent of the board of education in Simi Valley is to be proactive," DiFatta said. "We are putting in place those kinds of programs that help kids be able to work out differences, to value tolerance and treat others with dignity and respect."