Becoming a RULER School

  • What is RULER?

    RULER is an evidence-based approach to social and emotional learning (SEL) developed at the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence. It supports school communities—leaders, educators, students, and their families—in understanding the value of emotions, building the skills of emotional intelligence, and creating and maintaining positive climates at school and at home.

  • What does the acronym, RULER, stand for?

    RULER is an acronym for the 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

    Research shows that RULER skills help people of all ages to use emotions wisely, opening opportunities for adults and students to succeed in school, at work, and in life.

  • Should we adopt RULER if we already work with another SEL or character development program?

    RULER integrates seamlessly with many other school-based initiatives and its goals and methods overlap with those of other SEL and character education programs. In general, RULER becomes the backdrop with a common language and a positive and safe climate in which to teach other academic and SEL topics.

  • How does RULER help create equitable school communities?

    RULER is based on the premise that all emotions matter, and that individuals experience emotions uniquely based on their differences. RULER tools focus on building positive emotional connections across similarities and differences, creating awareness around our own emotions and the emotions of others, managing emotion with our best selves, resolving conflict with empathy and perspective taking, and restoring communities affected by conflict. In this way, RULER focuses on the development of the skills and language necessary to achieving equitable practices.

    RULER curricular content addresses many of the Learning for Justice (formerly known as Teaching Tolerance) standards with lessons and activities focused on appreciation of similarities and differences in race, gender identity, cultural background, and experiences, as well as developing solutions to challenges within each unique school community and classroom. RULER does not teach a “correct” way to express or manage feelings, nor does it condone any one-size-fits-all approach to behavior. RULER helps diverse learners discover what strategies and behaviors work for them personally, with a focus on how our actions affect ourselves and others. When discussing and providing practice with the skills of emotional intelligence, educators choose reading material and other learning content that will resonate with their students’ lives. Students create and choose scenarios that represent their own experiences so they can practice applying emotion skills to actual situations in their lives in ways that make sense to them. In this way, RULER’s design encourages and reinforces culturally responsive teaching practices. We also are currently working on adaptations of RULER to serve students with diverse learning needs, including best ways of providing access to SEL for students of all abilities.

  • What is the process to becoming a RULER school/district?

    The first step to bringing RULER to your school is to attend the RULER Institute. This training provides the foundational skills and tools needed to implement RULER in your school. Visit our “Train Your School Team” page to learn more about our RULER Institute and apply! 

  • What is available on the RULER Online platform?

    RULER Online is an online platform devoted to supporting RULER implementation in RULER-trained schools. It includes staff learning modules, interactive web tools, webinars, and classroom curricular content organized by grade level (preK-12). The platform also features hundreds of resources including video demos, audio reflections, and guidance on distance learning, practicing mindfulness, engaging and educating families about RULER, and helping students and staff through difficult conversations and traumatic experiences. 

    For more information about RULER Online, check out this video.

  • How much does a RULER Training and Implementation Support Package cost, and what does it include?

    The 2-Year RULER Training and Implementation Support Package costs (per school):

    • $6,000 for 3 training participants
    • $7,000 for 4 training participants
    • $8,000 for 5 training participants

    The RULER Institute In-Person 2-Year RULER Training and Implementation Support Package costs (per school): 

    • $6,000 for 3 training participants 
    • $7,500 for 4 training participants 
    • $9,000 for 5 training participants 

    The 2-Year RULER Training and Implementation Support Package includes:

    • RULER Institute Online
    • Virtual group coaching sessions
    • Electronic newsletters to support with RULER implementation
    • Support webinars covering topics that strengthen implementation
    • Access to the RULER Online implementation support platform for administrators, faculty, and staff. Schools can renew these support services with a RULER subscription after the 2-year RULER Training and Implementation Support Package expires.

    Schools can renew these support services with a RULER subscription after the 2-year RULER Training and Implementation Support Package expires.

    Visit our “Train Your School Team” page to learn more about our RULER Training Institute and apply!

  • What does the RULER classroom content look like?

    RULER offers classroom content for grades pre-K through 12. Each grade-level segment has a recommended scope and sequence to allow for thoughtful planning, flexibility, and execution on behalf of the teacher. Classroom content utilizes vertically aligned skill development and addresses CASEL’s core competencies of social and emotional learning, Learning for Justice (formerly Teaching Tolerance) standards, and state SEL standards.

    RULER for Early Childhood integrates into the existing routines and learning goals of the classroom and is play based. Lessons and activities are flexible in terms of length, sequence, and content, and can be adapted to fit your setting.

    The RULER for Elementary School curriculum consists of up to 18 units per grade, with four ~45-minute lessons per unit. Each unit is meant to be completed within two weeks. Six units focus on concepts and applications of the RULER tools, and the remaining twelve focus specifically on emotional vocabulary.

    The RULER for Middle School curriculum consists of 5 units per grade, with each unit having four lessons. The curriculum is rooted in project-based learning where students become the co-creators of knowledge. The curriculum includes suggestions for projects across six disciplines: ELA, social studies/history, math, science, digital/fine arts, and physical education.

    Early Childhood through Middle School’s lessons are reinforced in the classroom by RULER Core Routines. These are quick and informal everyday practices that are easily integrated into the day.

    The RULER for High School curriculum is a flexible, interactive curriculum consisting of 20 lessons per grade. Each lesson spans between 45 and 60 minutes. However, lessons do not have to be completed in one sitting — they can be implemented in a way that makes the most sense for your school’s structure, schedule, and curriculum. Schools may choose to implement RULER in advisory, health class, or even a flex or college counseling period.

  • I’m a parent but my child does not attend a RULER school. How can I influence RULER adoption at my child’s school?

    Our current approach is working with entire schools and districts and training educators in emotional intelligence skills. We offer family supports to this school-based approach when schools are trained in RULER. Please share www.rulerapproach.org with your child’s school and PTA for consideration.

  • Are trainings offered outside of the United States?

    We invite international schools to consider sending a school team to the RULER Institute online or in–person. Please visit the “Train Your School Team” page for more information. 

  • I want to become a RULER trainer/affiliate. What can I do?

    While it is our hope that as many schools as possible become trained in RULER, we can only support this effort with the training team at the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence to ensure implementation fidelity. If you are interested in joining our team, please visit the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence website for our most recent job postings. If you are part of a school, we welcome you to explore our upcoming trainings.

  • I’m an individual who wants to be trained in RULER or I represent an organization and I want RULER for my workplace. What options do you have?

    The RULER model only accommodates school teams to attend trainings, not individuals. The RULER Institute Online is offered to schools serving students from preK-12th grades. Schools send a team consisting of at least one school administrator (principal, assistant principal, or dean of students) plus at least two teachers or mental health professionals. RULER implementation fidelity is strongest when this team leads the charge on planning and implementation of RULER. If you are part of a school, we welcome you to explore our upcoming trainings. If you are interested in joining our team, please visit the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence website.

Existing RULER Schools

  • Who will have access to RULER Online?

    RULER Online is for staff development in schools that have an active RULER Training and Implementation Support Package or RULER Subscription. We recommend adding any administrators, faculty, and staff members at your school who work with RULER. For more information on how to add your colleagues to RULER Online, visit https://help.ruler.online once your school’s account is active.

  • What is RULER Online?

    RULER Online is an online platform devoted to supporting RULER implementation in schools trained in RULER. It features staff learning modules, interactive web tools, webinars, and classroom curricular content organized by grade level (preK-12). The platform also features hundreds of resources including video demos, audio reflections, and guidance on distance learning, practicing mindfulness, engaging and educating families about RULER, and helping students and staff through difficult conversations and traumatic experiences. 

    For more information about RULER Online, check out this video.

  • How will I receive access to RULER Online?

    Once you have registered for a RULER training, you will receive an email invitation to the RULER Online platform. During your training experience, the RULER team will be available to support you with activating your account. You will also receive instructions for adding additional members of your school to the platform. If you have already attended a training and have questions about access, please email ruler.online@yale.edu.

  • Will students have login access to RULER Online?

    RULER Online is designed to be accessed by your school’s administration, faculty, and staff. All adults who work at a RULER-trained school are welcome to create an account on the platform.

  • How long will our school have access to RULER Online?

    The 2-Year RULER Training and Implementation Support Package costs (per school):

    • $6,000 for 3 training participants
    • $7,000 for 4 training participants
    • $8,000 for 5 training participants

    The 2-Year RULER Training and Implementation Support Package includes:

    • RULER Training Institute Online
    • 5 web-based or phone coaching sessions per school team (3 sessions in year 1 and 2 sessions in year 2)
    • Electronic newsletters to support with RULER Implementation
    • Support webinars covering topics that strengthen implementation
    • Access to the RULER Online implementation support platform for administrators, faculty, and staff. Schools can renew these support services with a RULER subscription after the 2-year RULER Training and Implementation Support Package expires.

    Visit our “Train Your School Team” page to learn more about our RULER Training Institute and apply!

  • How do I find out who my RULER Coach is?

    Your RULER Coach will be introduced via email after training. If you have misplaced their contact information, please reach out to rulertraining@yale.edu.

RULER Institute In-Person - Getting Started

RULER Institute In-Person Training

  • Does the training come with follow-up support?

    Training comes with two years of implementation support that includes:   

    Years 1 and 2  

    • Two-day training institute for a team of 3 to 5 school staff/faculty 
    • Access to the RULER Online platform for all school staff
    • Virtual group coaching sessions
    • Electronic newsletters to support with RULER implementation
    • Support webinars covering topics that strengthen implementation  

    After two years, your school has the option to continue support services with a subscription. Learn more about our continued subscription. 

  • Can I earn CTEs upon completing the RULER Institute?

    Attendees who complete the training will be sent a certificate of completion. This certificate includes clock hours.  Teachers have used the clock hours to fulfill PD requirements though we do not offer CTEs. Please note that it is the responsibility of the attendee to obtain their certificate as proof of completion. The Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence is unable to provide completion information to school or district leaders.

  • How much does the RULER Institute cost?

    The cost for RULER Institute is as follows:

    • $7,500 for 3 training participants 
    • $9,000 for 4 training participants 
    • $10,500 for 5 training participants 

    This cost also includes the following:   

    Years 1 and 2  

    • Two-day training institute for a team of 3 to 5 school staff/faculty 
    • Access to the RULER Online platform for all school staff 
    • Virtual group coaching sessions
    • Electronic newsletters to support with RULER implementation
    • Support webinars covering topics that strengthen implementation  

    After two years, your school has the option to continue support services with a subscription. Learn more about our continued subscription. 

  • Can I share the training content with fellow educators not registered for training?

    Access to resources for your entire school community will be available after the 2-day training.

  • What materials are included?

    All materials will be distributed at the training. Please bring a laptop or tablet.

  • Who are the trainers?

    The trainers for RULER Institute are experienced staff and consultants from the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence.

RULER Institute Online - Getting Started

RULER Institute Online - Online Training

RULER Institute Online - Price and Payment

  • How much does RULER Institute Online cost?

    $6,000 for a team of 3 (plus $1,000 per additional participant up to 5 total participants).  

    This cost also includes the following:  

    • Years 1 and 2 
      • Six-week online training institute for a team of 3 to 5 school staff/faculty (2 hours of work per week per person) 
      • Virtual group coaching sessions 
      • Electronic newsletters to support with RULER implementation 
      • Support webinars covering topics that strengthen implementation 
      • Access to the RULER Online platform for all school staff
      • An annual assessment that gauges your school’s RULER implementation progress 

    After two years, your school has the option to continue support services with a subscription. Learn more about our continued subscription.

  • What payment options are available for the training?

    We accept credit card, check, and wire transfer payments.

  • Can I earn CTEs upon completing RULER Institute Online?

    Attendees who complete the training can access a certificate of completion via the training portal. This certificate includes clock hours.  Teachers have used the clock hours to fulfill PD requirements though we do not offer CTEs. Please note that it is the responsibility of the attendee to obtain their certificate as proof of completion. The Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence is unable to provide completion information to school or district leaders.

  • Does the training come with follow-up support?

    Training comes with two years of implementation support that includes:  

    •  Years 1 and 2 
      • Six-week online training institute for a team of 3 to 5 school staff/faculty (2 hours of work per week per person) 
      • Virtual group coaching sessions 
      • Electronic newsletters to support RULER implementation 
      • Support webinars covering topics that strengthen implementation 
      • Access to the RULER Online platform for all school staff  
      • An annual assessment that gauges your school’s RULER implementation progress 

    After two years, your school has the option to continue support services with an annual subscription. Learn more about our continued subscription.