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

Bill at a Glance

• Bill: H.Res. 1221
• Session: 119th Congress (2nd Session)
• Purpose: Designate April 27–May 1, 2026 as “National Specialized Instructional Support Personnel Appreciation Week.”
• Sponsor(s): Rep. Haayes (primary), with co-sponsors Rep. Bonamici, Rep. Norton, Rep. Fitzpatrick
• Status: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce (as of submission date April 28, 2026)

What the bill does

• Calls for the designation of a national appreciation week dedicated to specialized instructional support personnel (SISPs).
• Recognizes the role of SISPs in schools and their impact on student outcomes and school climate.
• Encourages awareness and collaboration among policymakers, educators, families, and communities about the contributions of SISPs.

Who are the targeted personnel

The bill defines SISPs to include and recognize a broad range of professionals who support students beyond core classroom instruction, such as:
- School counselors
- School social workers
- School psychologists
- Other qualified professionals, including:
- School nurses
- Psychologists (broad reference)
- Social workers
- Occupational therapists
- Physical therapists
- Art therapists
- Dance/movement therapists
- Music therapists
- Speech-language pathologists
- Audiologists

These personnel provide prevention, early intervention, educational and behavioral support, and contribute to safe, supportive, and conducive learning environments.

Key provisions and claims

• Acknowledges that SISPs deliver school-based prevention and early intervention services to reduce barriers to learning.
• Emphasizes multidisciplinary collaboration with teachers, school leaders, and parents to promote student and school success.
• Highlights that SISPs support a wide range of student needs:
  • Academic learning
  • Social, emotional, and behavioral development
  • Physical wellness and development
  • Communication and social skills
• Asserts that safe and supportive school environments—enhanced by SISPs—are linked to improved academic performance.
• Endorses the role of SISPs in advancing student mental health and overall well-being, with the broader aim of improving school outcomes and community safety.

Intended beneficiaries and impact

• Students across the United States who rely on SISPs for prevention, intervention, and specialized supports.
• Schools and school districts that partner with SISPs to address diverse student needs.
• Families and communities benefitting from improved school climate and safer environments.

Procedural and timeline aspects

• The resolution designates a specific week in 2026 (April 27–May 1) as National Specialized Instructional Support Personnel Appreciation Week.
• As a House Resolution, it is a formal expression of the House’s stance and recognition, not a bill that would create new federal programs or mandatory funding.
• Referral: Committee on Education and Workforce for consideration.

Summary in plain terms

H.Res. 1221 is a non-binding resolution that formally designates a week in spring 2026 to honor specialized instructional support personnel who work in schools (such as counselors, social workers, psychologists, therapists, and others). It emphasizes the important, evidence-based role these professionals play in preventing learning barriers, supporting student health and development, promoting collaboration with teachers and families, and contributing to safe and productive school environments. The resolution encourages policymakers at all levels to raise awareness of SISPs and to share best practices, with the aim of improving student outcomes and community safety.