A Democratic bill with 3 Democratic cosponsors · See all 3 cosponsors
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The "Providing Understanding of Paraprofessionals in Learning Act" directs a comprehensive study of the paraprofessional and education support staff workforce. This workforce includes various professionals serving children from prekindergarten through grade 12 in public schools. The Secretary is tasked with seeking a contract with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to conduct this research. The study will examine several factors, including compensation, job stability, and career pathways. It also looks at how different employment models affect educational quality. Finally, the results will be compiled into a report for Congress and the public.
Yes· 3 of 10
- Scored +2
Would children be better off under this?
The study aims to improve the quality of education and support services provided to students in prekindergarten through grade 12.
- Scored +2
Would people with disabilities be better off under this?
The study specifically looks at the support provided to children with disabilities by paraprofessionals.
- Scored +2
Does this put more money into scientific research?
The bill funds a research study to be conducted by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Workforce Insight: The study aims to assess the characteristics, roles, effectiveness, preparation, and compensation of workers, which can help identify ways to improve their working conditions (Section 4(a)).
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Career Advancement: By examining career advancement pathways and model programs, the study could help support a progression to certified teaching and other educational roles (Section 4(b)(6)).
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Compensation Improvement: The bill directs the study to identify evidence-informed approaches to improving salaries, benefits, and overall job quality (Section 4(b)(4)).
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Improved Job Stability: The study will look at employment models and workforce arrangements to understand their implications on workforce stability (Section 4(b)(10)).
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Salary Comparisons: The study will analyze average starting and regular salaries compared to the cost of living or livable wages in specific locations (Section 4(b)(9)).
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Strengthening Professional Development: The study will assess the quality of professional development and identify strategies to strengthen those opportunities (Section 4(b)(5)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts or burdens are explicitly mentioned in the text provided.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would children be better off under this? — The study aims to improve the quality of education and support services provided to students in prekindergarten through grade 12. Would people with disabilities be better off under this? — The study specifically looks at the support provided to children with disabilities by paraprofessionals. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Improved stability and compensation for education support staff can benefit families reliant on public school services. Would union members be better off under this? — The study examines compensation, job stability, and the impact of outsourced employment models on working conditions.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into scientific research? — The bill funds a research study to be conducted by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Does this put more money into public schools? — The bill authorizes $2,000,000 to fund a comprehensive study aimed at improving the public school workforce.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this expand the rights of people with disabilities? — The bill specifically directs the study to examine compliance with requirements for paraprofessionals serving children with disabilities. Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated? — The bill notes that education support staff are a diverse subset of the workforce, implying a focus on diverse community members.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill requires the study results to be made available to both Congress and the public.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to create jobs? — The study examines pathways for recruitment and retention which could support job growth in the education sector.
- 7/13/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/23/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
Cory BookerDemocrat · New Jersey
Ben LujánDemocrat · New Mexico
Alex PadillaDemocrat · California