A resolution supporting the designation of the week of April 27 through May 1, 2026, as "National Specialized Instructional Support Personnel Appreciation Week".

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office] [S. Res. 687 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

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119th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 687

Supporting the designation of the week of April 27 through May 1, 2026, as ``National Specialized Instructional Support Personnel Appreciation Week''.

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IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

April 27, 2026

Ms. Hassan (for herself and Mr. Kaine) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

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RESOLUTION

Supporting the designation of the week of April 27 through May 1, 2026, as ``National Specialized Instructional Support Personnel Appreciation Week''.

Whereas there are more than 1,000,000 specialized instructional support personnel serving the schools and students of the United States, including--

(1) school counselors;

(2) school social workers;

(3) school psychologists; and

(4) other qualified professional personnel, such as--

G (A) school nurses;

G (B) psychologists;

G (C) social workers;

G (D) occupational therapists;

G (E) physical therapists;

G (F) art therapists;

G (G) dance and movement therapists;

G (H) music therapists;

G (I) speech-language pathologists; and

G (J) audiologists;

Whereas specialized instructional support personnel provide school-based prevention and early intervention services to reduce barriers to learning; Whereas specialized instructional support personnel work with teachers, school leaders, and parents to ensure that all students are successful in school; Whereas specialized instructional support personnel encourage multidisciplinary collaboration to promote student and school success; Whereas specialized instructional support personnel provide educational, social, emotional, and behavioral interventions and activities that support--

(1) student learning; and

(2) teaching;

Whereas specialized instructional support personnel help to create environments that are safe, supportive, and conducive to learning; Whereas safe and supportive school environments are associated with improved academic performance; Whereas specialized instructional support personnel support--

(1) student communication;

(2) the development of social skills by students;

(3) the physical wellness of students;

(4) the physical development of students; and

(5) the behavioral, emotional, and mental health of students; and

Whereas specialized instructional support personnel serve all students who struggle with barriers to learning: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Senate-- (1) supports the designation of April 27 through May 1, 2026, as ``National Specialized Instructional Support Personnel Appreciation Week''; (2) recognizes that specialized instructional support personnel implement evidence-based practices to improve student outcomes; (3) commends-- (A) those individuals who work as specialized instructional support personnel; and (B) the individuals and organizations that support the efforts made by specialized instructional support personnel to promote and improve the availability of specialized instructional support services; (4) encourages Federal, State, and local policymakers to work together to raise awareness of the importance of specialized instructional support personnel in school climate and education efforts; (5) recognizes the important role of specialized instructional support personnel in efforts to improve mental health, reduce drug use, and improve overall community safety for students; and (6) encourages experts to share best practices so that others can replicate the success of those experts. <all>