A resolution expressing support for the designation of the week beginning on November 3, 2025, as "National School Psychology Week".
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 487
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Education
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-11-06: Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- Last Updated
- 2025-11-25T17:45:53Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate resolution (S. Res. 487) aims to recognize the importance of school psychologists in supporting student learning and mental health. It expresses support for designating the week of November 3, 2025, as "National School Psychology Week" to raise awareness of their contributions.
Key Provisions
- Background Rationale: The resolution includes several "Whereas" clauses highlighting:
- The link between children's health, support, and effective education tailored to individual needs.
- The role of schools in addressing students' overall needs to promote readiness to learn.
- The connection between mental health and learning, with schools as ideal places to foster mental well-being.
- The application of psychological principles to instruction, social-emotional growth, prevention, early intervention, and support for diverse student populations.
- School psychologists' training in providing academic and mental health services to reduce learning barriers and aid teachers.
- Their facilitation of collaboration among parents, educators, and communities to identify risks, promote protections, ensure school safety, and access resources.
- Their expertise in assessing barriers, using data for decisions, implementing evidence-based strategies, evaluating results, and enhancing accountability.
- The credentialing of over 44,000 school psychologists by state agencies, along with standards set by organizations like the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) and the American Psychological Association (APA).
- The need to acknowledge school psychologists' role in children's personal and academic growth.
- Resolved Actions:
- Supports the designation of the specified week as National School Psychology Week.
- Honors school psychologists' contributions to student success nationwide.
- Encourages Americans to participate in ceremonies and activities during the week to promote 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 with no legal force, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or statutes. It serves as a symbolic gesture rather than enacting new policy.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Minimal direct impact; state educational agencies may use it to highlight their credentialing role, but no new requirements or funding are imposed.
- On Citizens: Could increase public awareness of mental health and educational support in schools, potentially encouraging community involvement in student well-being. No enforceable obligations for individuals.
- On International Relations: None, as the resolution is focused entirely on domestic education and psychology practices.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- School Psychologists: Directly honored, with emphasis on their professional training and impact.
- Students and Youth: Beneficiaries through recognition of services that address learning barriers and mental health.
- Educators and Schools: Supported by highlighting psychologists' role in enabling effective teaching and creating safe environments.
- Parents and Communities: Encouraged to collaborate and access resources for child development.
- Professional Organizations: Such as NASP and APA, which set standards and could leverage the resolution for advocacy.
- State Educational Agencies: Noted for credentialing over 44,000 professionals, potentially aiding their promotional efforts.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution, it requires no presidential approval and has no binding effect, avoiding any legal challenges.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's broad authority to express policy views under Article I, with no implications for individual rights or federalism.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan support (introduced by Senators Padilla, Cornyn, and Smith from different parties), signaling consensus on education and mental health priorities. It was referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions for consideration, potentially fostering goodwill toward related legislative efforts without controversy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (2)
Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX], Sen. Smith, Tina [D-MN]
Recent Actions
- 2025-11-06: Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- 2025-11-06: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Expressing support for the designation of the week beginning on November 3, 2025, as National School Psychology Week. — issued 2025-11-06 — PDF (3 pages)