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

Bill Number: H.Res. 1221
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 2
Policy Area: Education
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2026-04-28: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
Last Updated: 2026-05-13T17:42:53Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This House Resolution (H. Res. 1221) expresses support for designating the week of April 27 through May 1, 2026, as National Specialized Instructional Support Personnel Appreciation Week. It recognizes the vital contributions of these professionals to student success, school safety, and overall well-being. (Note: House resolutions like this are non-binding expressions of opinion and do not create new laws.)

Key Provisions

Lists over 1,000,000 specialized instructional support personnel, including school counselors, social workers, psychologists, nurses, occupational therapists, physical therapists, art/dance/movement/music therapists, speech-language pathologists, and audiologists.
Highlights their roles in:
Providing prevention and early intervention to remove learning barriers.
Collaborating with teachers, school leaders, and parents.
Delivering educational, social, emotional, and behavioral support.
Creating safe, supportive school environments linked to better academic performance.
Promoting student communication, social skills, physical wellness, and mental health.
House actions:
Supports the appreciation week designation.
Recognizes their use of evidence-based practices for better student outcomes.
Commends the personnel and their supporters.
Urges federal, state, and local policymakers to raise awareness of their importance in school climate and education.
Acknowledges their role in improving mental health, reducing drug use, and enhancing community safety.
Encourages sharing of best practices for replication.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

None. This is a symbolic resolution with no legal force or amendments to current laws.

Potential Impacts

Minimal direct impact: Raises public awareness and encourages voluntary collaboration among educators and policymakers.
On citizens: Highlights benefits for students (e.g., better mental health support, safer schools) and may inspire appreciation for school support staff.
On government agencies: Prompts federal, state, and local education bodies to promote these roles, potentially influencing future funding or programs indirectly.
No effects on international relations.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Specialized instructional support personnel (primary beneficiaries, e.g., counselors, therapists).
Students and schools (direct recipients of services).
Teachers, parents, and school leaders (collaborators).
Policymakers (federal, state, local; encouraged to act).
Organizations supporting these professionals.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: Purely symbolic; no enforceable requirements or funding.
Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's power to express views on education (non-binding).
Political: Bipartisan support (introduced by Republicans and Democrats); promotes education priorities like mental health and school safety without controversy. May signal future policy focus on school support staffing.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Hayes, Jahana [D-CT-5]

Cosponsors (3)

Rep. Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR-1], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1]

Recent Actions

2026-04-28: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
2026-04-28: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

Supporting the designation of the week of April 27 through May 1, 2026, as "National Specialized Instructional Support Personnel Appreciation Week". — issued 2026-04-28 — PDF (4 pages)