Researchers from Yale and Harvard Universities visit EES!

Last week, 4 researchers from Yale and Harvard University visited the district to study the efficacy of the R.U.L.E.R. model.  They spent 3 hours at EES meeting with teachers in focus groups (as seen in these photos), observing a model lesson, and touring the building looking at artifacts.  I was so incredibly proud of the staff. I sent an email out to staff that evening to tell them all that I observed and share my pride with them.  At school council yesterday, a parent representative shared that so many good things are happening at EES and we need to find a better way to "get the word out".  That being said, I decided to share the email I sent to staff.  I hope you appreciate this as much as I do!!!

Dear Rockin EES Staff:

I know I have told you time and time again how proud I am of you and how much I appreciate all that you do for our students and for each other.  I did not think it was possible to be amazed by you anymore than I already am…. but then today happened!!!  

We had 4 visitors from Harvard and Yale at EES for 3 hours. They are conducting a research study on RULER and its implementation in schools.  Much of their focus was on how we do this with disabled students, students with limited language skills, and young students.  They also were very interested in our implementation of each tool and were gathering feedback to help Yale. I was so proud of all of you and they were BLOWN AWAY!  There is no way I can encapsulate all of what they experienced today, but a few examples are:

·       They observed an exemplary lesson on how all classrooms use RULER in combination with literature. The teacher used The Big Orange Splot and demonstrated how a lesson can connect the mood meter and emotional vocabulary to enhance students’ knowledge of how characters can change.  This lesson was outstanding and our visitors were riveted.  Way to go Nicole.   They videotaped it and I am sure they would share the lesson if anyone would like to see it!!

·      They observed all of the classroom charters in the cafeteria and could not believe the creative ways each room depicted how they would like to feel.  They took photos of everything.   One particular classroom charter knocked their socks off.  The teacher used The Big Orange Splot to create a visual representing a classroom town. It is AWESOME.

·      We met in focus groups where many staff shared their ideas and thoughts in such a profound way!  Thank you to everyone (names were on the email I sent out) who gave of their time to share their ideas and thoughts on RULER.

·      We visited the SWING room and saw all the ways our SWING staff are helping our students make connections to emotional vocabulary.  This fascinated them and really helped them think about how they can adapt their work to support students who have trouble accessing this model.  

·      They appreciated talking to kindergarten teachers about how you roll this out with 5 year olds!

·      The school psychologist explained the construct of RULER within our SEL model and showed them how it fits in Tier one and in connection with other things we do.

·      The P.E. teacher was able to explain how RULER works for specialists and in his PA classes.  They were very interested in that connection.

AND I COULD GO ON AND ON AND ON!!  

The final comment from one of the researchers was that she visits so many schools in her studies and has never seen anything like this.   She said she was so INSPIRED!!    I laughed and told her that was one of our Staff Charter words and we ended on a very high note.  So as I said, I am as proud as I have ever been.  THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO FOR OUR STUDENTS.  You inspire me everyday!

Jennifer