This legislation, known as the PUPIL Act, mandates a comprehensive study on the paraprofessional and education support staff workforce in public elementary and secondary schools across the United States. The Secretary of Education is directed to contract with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to conduct this study within 90 days of the Act's enactment. The study will delve into various aspects, including the demographics, educational backgrounds, professional characteristics, and the overall effectiveness of these crucial school employees. Key elements of the study include an examination of pathways into these roles, recruitment and retention patterns, and minimum qualification requirements. It will also evaluate the impact of paraprofessionals and education support staff on student academic, social-emotional, and behavioral outcomes , identifying conditions under which they are most effective. A significant focus will be on analyzing compensation structures , including salaries, benefits, and employment conditions, comparing them to the cost of living and livable wages in their respective locations. Furthermore, the study will assess the availability and effectiveness of professional development opportunities and explore career advancement pathways, such as progression to certified teaching roles. It will also investigate different employment models, including contracted or outsourced staff, and their implications for workforce stability and educational quality. Ultimately, the National Academies will provide recommendations for Congress, federal agencies, states, and local educational agencies to strengthen and sustain this workforce, with a report due to Congress within 24 months of the agreement.