Expressing support for the designation of the week beginning on November 3, 2025, as "National School Psychology Week".
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 857
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Education
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-11-04: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- Last Updated
- 2025-11-25T17:45:59Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 857) aims to express congressional support for designating the week of November 3, 2025, as "National School Psychology Week." It highlights the critical role of school psychologists in supporting student mental health, learning, and overall development, emphasizing their contributions to creating supportive educational environments.
Key Provisions
- Background Rationale ("Whereas" Clauses): The resolution outlines several supporting facts, including:
- The importance of addressing children's health, individual needs, and mental health for effective learning.
- The link between mental health and academic success, with schools as ideal places to promote well-being.
- The expertise of school psychologists in instruction, social-emotional development, prevention, intervention, and supporting diverse student populations.
- Their role in providing mental health services, academic support, collaboration with parents and educators, data-driven decision-making, and improving school safety and accountability.
- Recognition of approximately 44,000 credentialed school psychologists in the U.S., supported by organizations like the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), which sets standards for training, ethics, and service delivery.
- Core Actions ("Resolved" Section):
- Supports the designation of the week as National School Psychology Week.
- Honors the contributions of school psychologists to student success nationwide.
- Encourages Americans to participate in ceremonies and activities to raise awareness of school psychologists' roles in schools, communities, and student development into productive citizens.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or statutes. It serves as a symbolic expression of support rather than enacting enforceable policy.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Minimal direct impact; it may prompt the Department of Education or state agencies to promote awareness during the designated week, but no funding or mandates are involved.
- On Citizens: Increases public recognition of mental health services in schools, potentially encouraging communities, parents, and educators to value and utilize school psychologists, which could indirectly support student well-being without creating new obligations.
- On International Relations: None; the resolution is focused entirely on domestic education and mental health.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- School Psychologists: Directly honored, with emphasis on their professional contributions and the need for their services.
- Students and Youth: Beneficiaries through highlighted support for their mental health, learning barriers, and development.
- Educators and Schools: Recognized as collaborators who benefit from psychologists' expertise in creating safe, effective learning environments.
- Parents and Families: Encouraged to engage with school resources for child support.
- Professional Organizations: Such as the NASP and American Psychological Association, affirmed for their standards and models of service delivery.
- State Educational Agencies: Noted for credentialing psychologists, potentially influencing future awareness efforts.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution, it has no force of law and requires no presidential approval; it cannot be challenged in court.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's broad authority to recognize observances and promote public awareness under the First Amendment's free speech protections, without infringing on individual rights.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan support (introduced by representatives from both parties) for mental health initiatives in education, potentially signaling priority for child well-being amid ongoing discussions on school resources. It fosters goodwill toward the education sector without partisan controversy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1]
Cosponsors (2)
Rep. Chu, Judy [D-CA-28], Rep. Panetta, Jimmy [D-CA-19]
Recent Actions
- 2025-11-04: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- 2025-11-04: Submitted in House
- 2025-11-04: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Expressing support for the designation of the week beginning on November 3, 2025, as "National School Psychology Week". — issued 2025-11-04 — PDF (3 pages)