A resolution expressing support for the designation of the week of March 2 through March 6, 2026, as "National Social and Emotional Learning Week" to recognize the critical role social and emotional learning plays in supporting the academic success and overall well-being of students, educators, and families.
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 624
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Education
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-03-02: Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text: CR S734-735)
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-13T15:28:50Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate Resolution (S. Res. 624) expresses support for designating the week of March 2 through March 6, 2026, as "National Social and Emotional Learning Week." It aims to highlight the importance of social and emotional learning (SEL)—skills like self-awareness, managing emotions, understanding others, building relationships, and making responsible decisions—in improving students' academic performance, mental health, behavior, and long-term success, while also benefiting educators and families.
Key Provisions
The resolution includes a preamble citing research studies on SEL's benefits, such as:
- Increased academic achievement (e.g., up to 11 percentile points in performance).
- Better mental wellness, stress management, and attitudes toward school.
- Long-term health outcomes, like lower risk of heart-related issues in adulthood.
- Economic returns, with an average $11 benefit for every $1 invested in SEL programs.
- High parental support (93% in a survey) and reduced societal costs (e.g., less need for public assistance or policing).
The core resolved sections are:
- Supports the designation of "National Social and Emotional Learning Week."
- Recognizes SEL's role in promoting academic success, mental and behavioral health, and career readiness.
- Expresses support for expanding SEL access to all students and teachers.
- Encourages U.S. citizens and federal agencies to identify ways to promote SEL for the well-being of students, parents, educators, and communities.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or regulations. It serves as a symbolic statement of Senate support rather than enforceable legislation.
Potential Impacts
- On government agencies: May prompt federal entities, such as the Department of Education, to highlight or integrate SEL in programs, though without mandatory requirements.
- On citizens: Raises public awareness about SEL's benefits, potentially encouraging schools, parents, and communities to adopt related initiatives, leading to improved student outcomes and educator well-being.
- On international relations: No direct impact, as the resolution focuses on domestic education.
Overall, impacts are indirect and awareness-focused, with potential for voluntary adoption in schools to enhance learning environments.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Students and families: Primary beneficiaries through potential improvements in academic and emotional support.
- Educators and schools: Encouraged to expand SEL programs, which could reduce burnout and improve teaching effectiveness.
- Federal agencies and policymakers: Urged to promote SEL, influencing education policy discussions.
- Researchers and nonprofits: Validates ongoing work on SEL, as cited in the preamble.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: None significant, as this is a simple resolution without binding force or implications for rights, funding, or enforcement. It aligns with the Senate's role in expressing policy preferences under Article I of the U.S. Constitution.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan support (introduced by Senators from both parties) for education initiatives focused on holistic student development, potentially influencing future funding or curriculum debates without partisan controversy. It underscores a growing emphasis on mental health in education policy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL]
Cosponsors (9)
Sen. Kaine, Tim [D-VA], Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD], Sen. King, Angus S., Jr. [I-ME], Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT], Sen. Luján, Ben Ray [D-NM], Sen. Duckworth, Tammy [D-IL], Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ], Sen. Kim, Andy [D-NJ], Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA]
Recent Actions
- 2026-03-02: Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text: CR S734-735)
- 2026-03-02: Submitted in Senate
Bill Versions
- Expressing support for the designation of the week of March 2 through March 6, 2026, as National Social and Emotional Learning Week to recognize the critical role social and emotional learning plays in supporting the academic success and overall well-being of students, educators, and families. — issued 2026-03-02 — PDF (4 pages)