A resolution supporting the designation of the week of April 27 through May 1, 2026, as "National Specialized Instructional Support Personnel Appreciation Week".
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 687
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-04-27: Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text: CR S2055)
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-13T15:58:19Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate resolution (S. Res. 687) supports designating the week of April 27 through May 1, 2026, as "National Specialized Instructional Support Personnel Appreciation Week". It aims to recognize the contributions of over 1 million school-based professionals who help students overcome barriers to learning and promote safe, supportive school environments.
Key Provisions
- Supports the designation of the specified week to honor specialized instructional support personnel, including school counselors, social workers, psychologists, nurses, therapists (occupational, physical, art, dance/movement, music), speech-language pathologists, and audiologists.
- Recognizes their use of evidence-based practices to improve student outcomes.
- Commends these professionals and the organizations supporting them.
- Encourages Federal, State, and local policymakers to raise awareness of their role in school climate and education.
- Highlights their contributions to student mental health, reducing drug use, and improving community safety.
- Urges experts to share best practices for replication.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
None. This is a non-binding resolution that expresses the Senate's sense rather than creating enforceable laws or mandates.
Potential Impacts
- Minimal direct impacts: Symbolic gesture to boost morale and visibility for school support staff; no funding, regulations, or requirements imposed.
- On citizens: May increase public appreciation for these professionals, potentially leading to greater community support for school mental health and wellness programs.
- On government agencies: Encourages informal collaboration among policymakers but imposes no obligations.
- International relations: None.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Specialized instructional support personnel (primary beneficiaries, e.g., counselors, therapists).
- Students and schools (indirectly benefit from recognition of services addressing learning barriers, mental health, and safety).
- Teachers, school leaders, and parents (partners in student success).
- Policymakers (Federal, State, local) urged to promote awareness.
- Organizations supporting these professionals.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: None significant; resolutions like this are common, ceremonial actions within Congress's expressive powers and do not require presidential approval or create legal obligations.
- Political: Bipartisan introduction (by Sens. Hassan and Kaine); promotes education and mental health priorities without controversy, potentially fostering goodwill across education stakeholders.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Sen. Hassan, Margaret Wood [D-NH]
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2026-04-27: Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text: CR S2055)
- 2026-04-27: Submitted in Senate
Bill Versions
- Supporting the designation of the week of April 27 through May 1, 2026, as National Specialized Instructional Support Personnel Appreciation Week. — issued 2026-04-27 — PDF (4 pages)