What does Preamble of PUPIL Act do?

This bill directs a study on paraprofessionals and education support staff. The bill was introduced in the Senate on June 23, 2026.

What does SHORT TITLE. of PUPIL Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Providing Understanding of Paraprofessionals in Learning Act, also known as the PUPIL Act.

What does DEFINITIONS. of PUPIL Act do?

This section defines terms used within the Act. The terms 'professional development,' 'Secretary,' and 'State' are defined by referencing section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. “Education support staff” includes professionals in early childhood education or schools serving prekindergarten through grade 12, performing various services such as clerical, transportation, food, custodial, health, technical, and skilled trades. The term 'paraprofessional' is defined by section 3201 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.

What does FINDINGS. of PUPIL Act do?

This section outlines findings regarding paraprofessionals and education support staff. It recognizes their invaluable role in the education system and school communities. The text notes that over 2,000,000 such staff members support over 54,000,000 students. Many paraprofessionals and education support staff face annual layoffs and lack job security. Over 500,000 provide support for children with disabilities. The findings also highlight that these staff members are often diverse, connected to their communities, and trusted by students and parents, but their voices may not be reflected in school policies.

What does STUDY ON THE PARAPROFESSIONAL AND EDUCATION SUPPORT STAFF of PUPIL Act do?

This section directs the Secretary to contract with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to conduct a study of the paraprofessional and education support staff workforce serving children in prekindergarten through grade 12 in U.S. public schools. The study will examine characteristics, roles, effectiveness, preparation, compensation, and career pathways of these staff, as well as policies and investments that shape the workforce. The study's elements include examining demographic characteristics, pathways into roles, qualification requirements, and the impact of these staff on student outcomes. It will also analyze compensation structures, professional development opportunities, and career advancement pathways. The study will identify policy levers and investments influencing the workforce and recommend strategies to strengthen and sustain it. The National Academies will establish classifications for different positions and disaggregate data based on these classifications. A report on the study's results will be transmitted to Congress and made publicly available within 24 months of the agreement's entry into effect. The study will analyze employment models, including contracted, privatized, or outsourced arrangements, and their implications.

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PUPIL Act

Last updated: 6/23/2026 · Introduced: 6/23/2026

Author: Edward Markey (D-MA)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill mandates a study by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to examine the roles, effectiveness, and career pathways of paraprofessionals and education support staff in U.S. public schools.
The study will analyze factors impacting this workforce, including compensation, professional development, and employment models such as contracting and outsourcing.
Findings from the study, including recommended strategies to strengthen and sustain the workforce, will be reported to Congress and made publicly available within two years.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 3 more.

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