This House resolution supports naming the week of April 27 through May 1, 2026, "National Specialized Instructional Support Personnel Appreciation Week." It says there are more than 1,000,000 specialized instructional support personnel in schools, and lists examples such as school counselors, school social workers, school psychologists, school nurses, occupational and physical therapists, art and music therapists, speech-language pathologists, and audiologists. The resolution says these staff provide prevention and early intervention services, help reduce barriers to learning, work with teachers, leaders, and parents, encourage teamwork, and support students' educational, social, emotional, behavioral, and physical development. The resolution also recognizes that these personnel use evidence-based practices to improve student outcomes, commends the people who work in these roles and their supporters, encourages policymakers to raise awareness of their importance, recognizes their role in improving mental health and reducing drug use, and encourages experts to share best practices.
The resolution designates a national week to recognize and thank specialized instructional support personnel. It highlights the roles these staff play in supporting student learning, safety, and mental health. The text encourages awareness, collaboration, and sharing of best practices. The resolution text does not include details about creating new programs, funding, or legal requirements.
No publicly available information.
Supporters say specialized instructional support personnel implement evidence-based practices that improve student outcomes. They note these staff create safe, supportive school environments, provide prevention and early intervention services, help students with communication, social skills, physical and mental health, and promote school and community safety. The resolution commends these individuals and the organizations that support their work and urges sharing of best practices.
No publicly available information.