American School of Milan

The school uses PATHS (Promoting Alternative Thinking Strategies) as part of the Social and Emotional Curriculum. All children participate in regular guidance lessons through PATHS to develop social-emotional competencies. A guidance counselor visits each classroom bi-monthly to teach social skills. The daily routine includes a Morning Meeting to build classroom community and a positive climate for learning. Teachers implement Responsive Classroom strategies to weave social-emotional learning into daily instruction. The program emphasizes cooperation, responsibility, empathy and self-regulation as foundational learning dispositions.

Students diagnosed with mild to moderate learning needs receive targeted support in math, literacy and phonics. Learning support specialists design lessons for small groups inside or outside the classroom. All students may access early reading support using the Wilson Reading Intervention Program. Student learning is supported by learning specialists who work in small groups or with individuals to target each child's specific needs. ASM supports students with mild to moderate learning needs.

English is the primary language of instruction. English Language Learners (ELL) in third through fifth grade are tested with the WIDA assessment to determine language level. Students may be eligible to receive English language support through the English Language Specialist, with Beginning and Intermediate speakers receiving additional support in small groups and/or in-class. In addition, there is an after-school English club to reinforce English for beginners. Students enrolled in their first year of beginning ELL will not be eligible for Italian Language B as they will attend ELL classes for language learning during this time.

All children participate in regular guidance lessons through PATHS, the Social and Emotional Curriculum, to support emotional and social competencies. PATHS fosters self-regulation, cooperation and empathy as foundational skills. The guidance counselor visits classrooms bi-monthly to reinforce social skills and wellbeing. The school uses Morning Meeting and Responsive Classroom strategies to promote a positive climate for learning. These initiatives support students' mental well-being and personal development.