The RULER Approach, developed by researchers at Yale University, is an evidence-based social and emotional learning program dedicated to enriching the lives of educators, students, and families.
Evidence
In an era of academic accountability, receptivity for integrating social and emotional learning programming into the curriculum is dependent upon empirical evidence demonstrating improvements in academic performance and social and emotional competence. Over the last two decades, numerous programs have been developed to promote social and emotional learning. A recent meta-analysis of 200 studies examining the effects of social emotional learning programs revealed that students enrolled in such programs perform significantly better in school and on standardized tests compared to non-participating students.
The RULER Approach is one such program. Research suggests that developing RULER skills fosters a range of behaviors and attitudes essential to positive development and academic achievement.
Incorporating The RULER Approach leads to:
- Enhanced motivation and study skills
- Higher academic scores in core content areas
- Decreased hyperactivity in the classroom
- Decreased anxiety and depression
- Increased empathy, social competence, and leadership skills
- Reductions in student referrals for inappropriate behavior, school suspensions, aggression and bullying
- Enhanced classroom climate, including greater respect between teachers and students, more positive relationships among students, and enhanced prosocial behavior
After one year of implementing The RULER Approach, RULER classrooms, as compared to comparison classrooms, had:
