West Rocks Named a RULER Spotlight School by Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence
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WRMS Staff
Two-year designation recognizes the school's leadership in emotional intelligence education.
West Rocks Middle School has been named a 2026–2028 RULER Spotlight School by Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence (YCEI) at Yale University. They are one of a select group of schools worldwide recognized for exceptional emotional intelligence development among educators, students, and their families.
Developed at YCEI, RULER is an evidence-based approach that uses tools and routines to build core emotional intelligence skills: Recognizing, Understanding, Labeling, Expressing, and Regulating emotions. RULER is used in over 5,000 schools across 33 countries to strengthen school climate, support student and adult well-being, and improve academic and social outcomes.
Spotlight Schools are selected for their sustained, high-quality implementation of RULER and their willingness to share their practices with the wider RULER community. Over the next two years, West Rocks will serve as a model site and partner with YCEI to highlight what strong RULER implementation looks like in practice.
“Being named a RULER Spotlight School is a tremendous honor for the West Rocks community and a reflection of the intentional work our students, staff, and families have done to make emotional intelligence part of who we are as a school,” said Dr. Adam Reynolds, Principal of West Rocks Middle School. “RULER has given us a common language and practical tools to better understand and manage emotions, strengthen relationships, and create a school community where students and adults feel connected, supported, and ready to learn.”
At West Rocks, RULER is embedded throughout the school day and across our community. Students and staff regularly use tools such as the Mood Meter, Charter, Meta-Moment, and Blueprint, supported by ongoing staff professional learning, daily SEL instruction during Morning Meeting, student leadership opportunities, and family engagement.
"I'm proud to welcome this new cohort of RULER Spotlight Schools. Creating emotionally intelligent communities takes courage, innovation, and real commitment to showing up for each other. This group has done that work, and it shows. I can't wait to see how they will continue to inspire others." said Marc Brackett, PhD, founding director of Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence.
About RULER
RULER is an evidence-based, preK-12 school-wide approach that helps educators and students develop the skills of emotional intelligence. Developed at Yale University and rooted in decades of research, data shows that schools using RULER have stronger relationships, a more positive school climate, and better outcomes for both students and staff. Learn more at rulerapproach.org.
About Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence
Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence (YCEI) is the world’s leading research and training hub for advancing emotional intelligence (EI) in education. Grounded in the reputation of Yale University, powered by a diverse team of researchers and practitioners, and guided by founder and director, Dr. Marc Brackett’s global leadership, YCEI bridges cutting-edge research with real-world practice. The Center’s work helps educators, leaders, and students strengthen EI as a foundation for personal well-being, strong relationships, and a driver of positive school climate and academic success. Learn more at ycei.org.