Supporting the designation of the week of April 28 through May 2, 2025, as "National Specialized Instructional Support Personnel Appreciation Week".
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 355
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Education
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-04-28: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-13T16:25:47Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 355) aims to express congressional support for designating the week of April 28 through May 2, 2025, as "National Specialized Instructional Support Personnel Appreciation Week." It highlights the vital role of these professionals in supporting student success, school safety, and overall well-being in U.S. schools.
Key Provisions
- Background on Personnel: Recognizes over 1,000,000 specialized instructional support personnel, including school counselors, social workers, psychologists, nurses, therapists (occupational, physical, art, dance/movement, music), speech-language pathologists, and audiologists.
- Roles and Contributions: Emphasizes their work in providing prevention and early intervention services to remove learning barriers; collaborating with teachers, leaders, and parents; promoting multidisciplinary teamwork; delivering educational, social, emotional, and behavioral support; and fostering safe, supportive learning environments linked to better academic outcomes.
- Specific Supports Provided: Notes their assistance in student communication, social skills development, physical wellness and development, and behavioral, emotional, and mental health.
- Resolution Actions:
- Supports the designated appreciation week.
- Acknowledges their use of evidence-based practices to improve student outcomes.
- Commends these personnel and supporting organizations for enhancing access to services.
- Urges federal, state, and local policymakers to raise awareness of their importance in school climate and education.
- Recognizes their role in improving mental health, reducing drug use, and boosting community safety for students.
- Encourages sharing of best practices among experts to replicate successes.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution with no legal force or effect. It introduces no changes to existing laws, statutes, or regulations; it serves solely as a symbolic expression of appreciation and encouragement.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: May indirectly influence federal, state, and local education policies by promoting awareness, potentially leading to increased focus on funding or programs for school support services, though it mandates no actions.
- On Citizens: Benefits students and families by spotlighting professionals who address learning barriers, mental health, and safety, potentially improving school environments and academic performance. It fosters public appreciation for educators beyond traditional teachers.
- On International Relations: No impacts, as the resolution is focused entirely on domestic U.S. education.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Specialized Instructional Support Personnel: Direct beneficiaries through recognition and commendation, including counselors, psychologists, social workers, nurses, and therapists.
- Students and Schools: Gain from highlighted services that support learning, health, and safety.
- Educators and Parents: Involved in collaborations emphasized in the resolution.
- Policymakers and Organizations: Encouraged to raise awareness and share best practices, affecting education advocacy groups and government bodies like the Department of Education.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution, it requires only a House majority vote and does not need Senate approval or presidential signature; it has no enforceable legal implications.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's broad authority to express policy views under Article I, without infringing on states' rights over education (a state responsibility under the 10th Amendment).
- Political: Symbolically advances bipartisan support for school mental health and anti-drug efforts (introduced by Rep. Hayes and Rep. Fitzpatrick from different parties). It could politically signal priorities for education funding and workforce development without committing resources, potentially influencing future legislation on student well-being.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (2)
Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR-1]
Recent Actions
- 2025-04-28: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- 2025-04-28: Submitted in House
- 2025-04-28: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Supporting the designation of the week of April 28 through May 2, 2025, as "National Specialized Instructional Support Personnel Appreciation Week". — issued 2025-04-28 — PDF (4 pages)