American School of Recife

Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is integral to EAR's education. SEL is designed around the CASEL framework, with the five competencies of Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Responsible Decision Making, Relationship Skills, and Social Awareness. The program emphasizes equitable learning environments and coordinated practices across classrooms, families, and communities to enhance social, emotional, and academic learning. EAR coordinates SEL to foster youth voice, agency, and engagement and to establish supportive classroom climates while building adult SEL competence and authentic family and community partnerships. Instruction includes mindfulness, integrity, navigating emotions, and time management, together with extracurricular activities such as sports, clubs, and student government.

Student Support delivers Learning Support (LS), English Language Learner (ELL) services, and Psychological & Counseling Services. The program operates under a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) with data-driven interventions. Support may be delivered in the classroom or in small-group or individualized settings. Support plans are created for students with high abilities, learning differences, diagnosed disorders, language needs, or social-emotional guidance; the team coordinates referrals, designs and monitors Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), provides test accommodations, and adapts curriculum as needed; external professionals may be engaged when appropriate. The Secondary School Counselor coordinates academic achievement, career development, and socioemotional development, with a team that includes a Learning Support Coordinator and school psychologists.

The language of instruction is English in all classes except Brazilian Studies and world language classes. Developing fluency in oral and written English is a priority, and maintaining an English language environment on campus is essential to EAR's mission. Students who are not proficient in English may receive academic support for English language development. English Language Learner (ELL) services are part of EAR's Student Support Services under MTSS to support language development and academic progress.

EAR supports student mental wellbeing through counseling and psychological services. The School Counselor develops and implements counseling programs in ECC and elementary school to support social and emotional well-being and its carryover into academics. School Psychologists develop programs to assess adjustment needs and plan appropriate supports in collaboration with teachers, administrators, and outside professionals. The Student Support Services department provides MTSS-based interventions to support well-being and academic achievement. A School Nurse is on campus daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. to provide medical care and health information, with procedures for medication and illness.

EAR's Student Protection Policy (SPP) is informed by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, Brazilian law, and the International Task Force on Child Protection (ITFCP). It recognizes abuse, neglect, and bullying as serious concerns and requires educators to identify and support at-risk students. All EAR employees, After School Activities contractors, and providers read, acknowledge, and adhere to the SPP and annually sign the EAR Code of Conduct. EAR is committed to protecting students and maintaining a safe and secure environment; concerns are reported to a supervisor and the Superintendent, with confidential handling of details. The policy is disseminated to the school community via handbooks, the school website, and includes a Child Protection Policy Appendix with reporting procedures.