Designates a "National Specialized Instructional Support Personnel Appreciation Week" to recognize the vital role of specialized instructional support personnel in schools and encourages increased awareness and support for their services.
Jahana Hayes
Representative
CT-5
This resolution supports the designation of "National Specialized Instructional Support Personnel Appreciation Week" to recognize the vital contributions of specialized instructional support personnel (SISP) in schools. SISP, including counselors, social workers, and therapists, provide crucial services that support students' academic, social, emotional, and physical well-being. The resolution encourages increased awareness and support for SISP at all levels, highlighting their role in improving student outcomes, mental health, and school safety. It also promotes the sharing of best practices related to specialized instructional support.
Resolution Proposes National Appreciation Week (April 28-May 2, 2025) for School Counselors, Nurses, and Other Support Staff
This resolution throws its support behind designating the week of April 28 through May 2, 2025, as "National Specialized Instructional Support Personnel Appreciation Week." It's essentially a formal shout-out recognizing the critical, often behind-the-scenes work done by over a million professionals in U.S. schools – think school counselors, social workers, psychologists, nurses, speech therapists, and others who help students navigate challenges beyond academics.
Recognizing the School Support Squad
So, who are these folks the resolution is talking about? They're the specialized instructional support personnel (SISP) – the professionals who provide a wide range of services crucial for student success. The resolution highlights their role in everything from prevention and early intervention programs to collaborating directly with teachers and parents. It points out their work in fostering safer school environments and providing educational, social, emotional, and behavioral support, which studies often link to better academic outcomes. Think about the school nurse handling health issues, the counselor guiding students through tough times, or the speech pathologist helping a child communicate more effectively – the resolution acknowledges their collective impact on student well-being and development.
More Than Just a Thank You
While designating an appreciation week is the main event here, the resolution goes a bit further. It commends these professionals for using evidence-based practices to improve student outcomes. It also nudges policymakers at all levels – federal, state, and local – to boost awareness about how vital these roles are for school climate, mental health, and even community safety. Finally, it encourages experts in the field to share successful strategies and best practices related to specialized instructional support. It's about formally recognizing their value and encouraging continued improvement and awareness of their contributions.