[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 81 (Thursday, May 9, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3660-S3661]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




SENATE RESOLUTION 683--SUPPORTING THE DESIGNATION OF THE WEEK OF APRIL 
29 THROUGH MAY 3, 2024, AS ``NATIONAL SPECIALIZED INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT 
                     PERSONNEL APPRECIATION WEEK''

  Ms. HASSAN (for herself, Mr. Cornyn, Mr. Kaine, and Ms. Collins) 
submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to:

                              S. Res. 683

       Whereas there are more than 1,000,000 specialized 
     instructional support personnel serving the schools and 
     students of the United States, including--
       (1) school counselors;
       (2) school social workers;
       (3) school psychologists; and
       (4) other qualified professional personnel, such as--
          (A) school nurses;
          (B) psychologists;
          (C) social workers;
          (D) occupational therapists;
          (E) physical therapists;
          (F) art therapists;
          (G) dance and movement therapists;
          (H) music therapists;
          (I) speech-language pathologists; and
          (J) audiologists;
       Whereas specialized instructional support personnel provide 
     school-based prevention and early intervention services to 
     reduce barriers to learning;
       Whereas specialized instructional support personnel work 
     with teachers, school leaders, and parents to ensure that all 
     students are successful in school;
       Whereas specialized instructional support personnel 
     encourage multidisciplinary collaboration to promote student 
     and school success;
       Whereas specialized instructional support personnel provide 
     educational, social, emotional, and behavioral interventions 
     and activities that support--
       (1) student learning; and
       (2) teaching;
       Whereas specialized instructional support personnel help to 
     create environments that are safe, supportive, and conducive 
     to learning;
       Whereas safe and supportive school environments are 
     associated with improved academic performance;
       Whereas specialized instructional support personnel 
     support--
       (1) student communication;
       (2) the development of social skills by students;
       (3) the physical wellness of students;
       (4) the physical development of students; and
       (5) the behavioral, emotional, and mental health of 
     students; and

[[Page S3661]]

       Whereas specialized instructional support personnel serve 
     all students who struggle with barriers to learning: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) supports the designation of April 29 through May 3, 
     2024, as ``National Specialized Instructional Support 
     Personnel Appreciation Week'';
       (2) recognizes that specialized instructional support 
     personnel implement evidence-based practices to improve 
     student outcomes;
       (3) commends--
       (A) those individuals who work as specialized instructional 
     support personnel; and
       (B) the individuals and organizations that support the 
     efforts made by specialized instructional support personnel 
     to promote and improve the availability of specialized 
     instructional support services;
       (4) encourages Federal, State, and local policymakers to 
     work together to raise awareness of the importance of 
     specialized instructional support personnel in school climate 
     and education efforts;
       (5) recognizes the important role of specialized 
     instructional support personnel in efforts to improve mental 
     health, reduce drug use, and improve overall community safety 
     for students; and
       (6) encourages experts to share best practices so that 
     others can replicate the success of those experts.

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