Children are growing up in an increasingly interconnected world. Social media is now a ubiquitous presence in students’ lives, adding layers of complexity to their peer interactions. Compounding this issue are increased rates of anxiety and depression—with studies showing they may have as much as doubled—among youth in the last five years. These realities underscore how critical it is to give students tools that help promote their social and emotional well-being in both academic and non-academic settings. Practical, robust social and emotional tools lead to greater confidence and, ultimately, long-term academic progress.

Amid this shifting landscape, Windward recently conducted an extensive search for an evidence-based, data-driven SEL program. “When we look at how a thoughtful school community approaches social-emotional learning, we are talking about two categories: The SEL curriculum—at Windward, Social Skills, Group Guidance, GAINS, Advisory—and the SEL program, the school-wide approach to language, routines, and strategies,” said Coordinator of Student Support and SEL Dr. Anna Weiser.

Windward’s SEL program can be described as the daily choreography of how we as a community support the emotional intelligence of those in our buildings: how we greet one another, enrich emotional vocabulary, hone conflict resolution abilities, and cultivate essential social skills. These skills and tools are already being taught in our community, and adopting a structured program will enhance these efforts, creating a common language for the School’s community and its stakeholders to share.

Dr. Weiser noted, “Windward’s SEL curriculum is already strong, and incorporating RULER, a comprehensive school-wide SEL program, will work in tandem with that preexisting curriculum.”

What Is the RULER Approach?

The RULER approach, developed by the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, is an evidence-based program that places a strong emphasis on developing emotional intelligence and social skills among students. As shared on its website, RULER is an acronym for the five foundational elements of emotional intelligence:

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

The RULER approach offers a well-researched, detailed, adaptable, and practical framework. Its focus on inclusivity and long-term impact, coupled with professional development opportunities, aligns with Windward’s mission, core values, and rigorous academic programs. Recognizing the diverse needs of students, RULER is particularly applicable to the School’s community of learners; the program offers tailored strategies to enhance communication, build positive relationships, and create a supportive atmosphere for all students to thrive. 

Bringing RULER to Windward

The RULER program has a two-year implementation timeline, with the first year dedicated to training faculty and staff. The yearlong adult-only training in the RULER approach is crucial for educators and staff to fully embrace its principles, develop proficiency in its implementation, and foster a collective commitment to supporting students’ social and emotional growth effectively. The period also allows for ongoing reflection and refinement to ensure sustainable, impactful implementation with students.

In April 2024, a small team from Windward—comprising campus heads; the coordinator of student support and SEL; the director of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging; and four classroom teachers, one from each division—underwent initial training. This team will then train the academic leadership team and the student support team, who will, in turn, train all faculty and staff members beginning in August 2024 and continuing throughout the coming academic year. The program will be implemented with students in the 2025-2026 school year.

Introducing the RULER program signals a meaningful, positive shift for Windward, allowing the School to approach students’ social and emotional growth with the same rigor and evidence-based practices as it does academic remediation.