Fusion Charter is implementing STEPS, a schoolwide social-emotional learning approach based on the DBT STEPS-A curriculum, which stands for Skills Training for Emotional Problem Solving for Adolescents.

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STEPS helps students develop practical skills for managing strong emotions, handling stress, making effective choices, communicating with others, and staying connected to school.

At Fusion, many of our students come to us after experiencing school avoidance, credit loss, personal challenges, anxiety, frustration, conflict, or disconnection from traditional school settings. STEPS gives students and staff a shared language for responding to difficult moments with skill, support, and hope.

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STEPS is not therapy, and it does not replace counseling or mental health services when those are needed. Instead, it is a classroom-based skills curriculum that helps students learn tools they can use in school, at home, at work, and in relationships.

A central message of STEPS at Fusion is:

You are not broken. You can learn skills. You can practice those skills. You can stay connected and keep moving forward.

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During the 2026–2027 school year, Fusion will begin integrating STEPS lessons into classrooms with support from trained Wellness Coaches and staff. Teachers will remain connected to the lessons so the skills can be reinforced throughout the school day, not treated as a separate program.

 

Through STEPS, our goal is to support emotional regulation, attendance, relationships, decision-making, and long-term student success.

Please include the attached STEPS Model for Teens image somewhere near the text. A good caption could be:

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The STEPS Model for Teens helps students understand that big emotions are not a personal failure. With support and practice, students can learn skills to manage emotions, make better choices, and stay connected.

Please also include the following outside resource links:

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DBT in Schools / Mazza Consulting
https://www.mazzaconsulting.com/dbt-steps-a

 

Guilford Press DBT STEPS-A Curriculum Page
https://www.guilford.com/books/DBT-Skills-in-Schools/Mazza-Dexter-Mazza-Miller-Rathus/9781462525591