Skills for Secondary School Success (4S)

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Directing my learning and working well with others

Skills for Secondary School Success is a free, evidence-based, classroom-ready program designed to help young people strengthen the skills they need to meet academic and social challenges in school and beyond.

Developed by Johns Hopkins University education researchers with federal support and years of input from classroom teachers, Skills for Secondary School Success helps students build the skills to thrive both academically and personally in middle and high school. The program fosters independence, goal setting, resilience, communication, collaboration, purpose, and future readiness—key drivers of long-term success—while building students’ confidence and empowering them to manage their own learning.

Educators across the country report a troubling trend: too many students struggle to advocate for themselves, direct their own learning, and take responsibility for their success in school. (Prothero, 2025). There is a growing need to help students regain the ability to manage their learning and decisions. At the same time, employers and high school educators emphasize the importance of life-ready skills like communication, collaboration, perseverance, and critical thinking.

“This notion of self-directed learning, and upskilling and reskilling as the economy shifts… will separate folks who are going to be successful from folks who are going to struggle in a knowledge-based economy.”

 —David Adams, quoted in Education Week

Skills for Secondary School Success addresses these needs. The program is built around the core belief that students thrive when they feel empowered, connected, and purposeful in their learning.

The program develops key mindsets and skills that research shows are essential to long-term success:

• Purpose for Learning – Students explore how their education connects to their lives and future goals and how it can empower them to make a positive difference in their community and world. 
• Belonging – Lessons foster a supportive classroom community where every student feels heard and valued and works well together.
• Choice and Autonomy – Students make meaningful choices and take ownership of their learning.
• Coping and Resilience – Students develop strategies to navigate academic and emotional challenges.
• Growth Mindset – Students learn that effort leads to learning and success. 
• Collaboration – Activities build teamwork and interpersonal skills.

The course is divided into five units:

Unit 1: Learning with a Sense of Purpose

Unit 2: Confronting Challenges and Having a Growth Mindset

Unit 3: Managing My Learning

Unit 4: Interacting with Others as We Learn Together

Unit 5: Making a Difference in My Community and World

Each unit lesson includes:

• Do Now activities to quickly engage students
• Lesson Dedications to build classroom community
• Framing and Vocabulary to connect learning to real life
• Interactive Activities including collaboration, direct instruction, and reflection
• Closures and Exit Tickets for feedback
• Optional homework and extensions for deeper exploration

Students work both collaboratively and independently and select from multiple options to demonstrate their learning. The culminating project invites students to design a proposal for a real-world contribution, casting a vision for how they can make a difference in their community and world. Skills for Secondary School Success allows for customization of lessons to reflect the backgrounds and experiences of students. 

Skills for Secondary School Success is not just engaging—it’s evidence-based. The program incorporates the latest research in adolescent learning, motivation, and development. Teachers using the learning activities report increased student engagement, improved peer relationships, and stronger academic focus.

If you’re looking for a program that’s research-informed, classroom-ready, free to use, and focused on helping students succeed in school and in life, choose the full Skills for Secondary School Success program.