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SRES 687

A resolution supporting the designation of the week of April 27 through May 1, 2026, as "National Specialized Instructional Support Personnel Appreciation Week".

119th Congress Introduced by Maggie Hassan and 1 co-sponsor

Designates April 27–May 1, 2026 as National Specialized Instructional Support Personnel Appreciation Week to recognize SISPs and promote their role in student outcomes and school s

Submitted in Senate
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SRES 687

Bill Overview

  • Bill: S.Res. 687 (Senate Resolution)
  • Session: 119
  • Jurisdiction: United States
  • Title: A resolution supporting the designation of the week of April 27 through May 1, 2026, as “National Specialized Instructional Support Personnel Appreciation Week”
  • Status: Referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions on April 27, 2026; submitted in Senate the same day
  • Sponsors: Primary sponsor not listed; Co-sponsors include Tim Kaine and Maggie Hassan

Main Purpose and Intent

  • The resolution designates April 27–May 1, 2026, as National Specialized Instructional Support Personnel Appreciation Week.
  • It acknowledges and honors the work of specialized instructional support personnel (SISPs) in U.S. schools, including school counselors, school social workers, school psychologists, and other qualified professionals (e.g., school nurses, occupational/physical therapists, art/dance/movement/music therapists, speech-language pathologists, audiologists).
  • It emphasizes the role of SISPs in providing prevention, early intervention, and evidence-based services to improve student outcomes and school climate.

Key Provisions and Provisions That Would Change

  • Formal designation: The Senate would officially recognize April 27–May 1, 2026, as National Specialized Instructional Support Personnel Appreciation Week.
  • Recognition of impact: The resolution cites SISPs’ roles in:
    • Implementing evidence-based practices to improve student outcomes
    • Supporting student learning and teaching environments
    • Enhancing safety, mental health, social-emotional development, and physical wellness
    • Promoting multidisciplinary collaboration among educators, families, and school leaders
  • Encouragement to policymakers: It urges Federal, State, and local policymakers to collaborate to raise awareness of SISPs’ importance in school climate and education efforts.
  • Emphasis on outcomes: It highlights SISPs’ contributions to mental health, reducing drug use, and improving overall community safety for students.
  • Knowledge sharing: It calls for experts to share best practices to enable replication of successful SISPs’ approaches.

Who or What Would Be Affected

  • Directly: Recognition and visibility for specialized instructional support personnel nationwide.
  • Indirectly: Federal, state, and local policymakers, school districts, educators, families, and the broader education community through increased awareness and emphasis on SISPs’ roles.
  • Beneficiaries: Students who benefit from SISPs’ prevention, intervention, mental health, social-emotional, and academic support services.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction/Referral: Referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions on April 27, 2026.
  • Action timeline: As a Senate resolution, it typically progresses through committee consideration and potential floor action. There is no monetary appropriation or regulatory change specified in the text.
  • Interaction with other processes: Serves as a formal non-binding expression of Senate support; could influence broader awareness and advocacy efforts.

Potential Impact and Context

  • Symbolic impact: Elevates the visibility and appreciation of SISPs across the nation.
  • Policy signaling: Signals bipartisan acknowledgement of the importance of SISPs in improving student outcomes and school safety.
  • Practical outcomes: While non-binding, the resolution may encourage policymakers and institutions to prioritize funding, professional development, and collaboration opportunities for SISPs.

If you’d like, I can compare this resolution to similar historical or related bills recognizing educational support staff, or draft a plain-language explainer for a general audience.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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