RULER

RULER is a systemic approach to social and emotional learning (SEL) developed at the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence. RULER aims to infuse the principles of emotional intelligence into the immune system of pre-K through 12, informing how leaders lead, teachers teach, students learn, and families support students.

RULER is an acronym for the five skills of emotional intelligence:

• Recognizing emotions in oneself and others
• Understanding the causes and consequences of emotions
• Labeling emotions with a nuanced vocabulary
• Expressing emotions in accordance with cultural norms and social context
• Regulating emotions with helpful strategies

The development of these five RULER skills relies on four core tools: the Charter, Mood Meter, Meta-Moment, and Blueprint. These skills and tools are introduced to all stakeholders in the school community—school leaders, teachers, staff, students, and families.

Research shows that students and adults who use RULER experience:

• Development of emotion skills
• Improvement in academic performance and classroom climate
• Fewer attention and learning problems
• Greater social and leadership skills
• Less anxiety and depression
• Less stress and burnout
• Better performance in school