(a) As used in this Code section, the term:

(1) “High needs school” means a public school which has received a school climate rating of “1-star” or “2-star” pursuant to Code Section 20-14-33.

(2) “Positive behavioral interventions and supports” or “PBIS” means an evidence based data-driven framework to reduce disciplinary incidents, increase a school’s sense of safety, and support improved academic outcomes through a multi-tiered approach, using disciplinary data and principles of behavior analysis to develop school-wide, targeted, and individualized interventions and supports.

(3) “Response to intervention” or “RTI” means a framework of identifying and addressing the academic and behavioral needs of students through a tiered system.

(b)(1) Local boards of education are encouraged to implement PBIS and RTI programs and initiatives in their schools, and particularly in high needs schools.

(2) Local boards of education shall implement PBIS and RTI programs and initiatives in each elementary and middle school that is a high needs school. Such implementation shall include, but shall not be limited to:

(A) PBIS Tier 1 supports for 100 percent of students and school personnel;

(B) Specific PBIS Tier 2 supports and interventions for students who are at risk for developing more serious unwanted behaviors, such as small group resilience and behavioral health skills lessons approved by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities; and

(C) Each school year, no less than 95 percent of school personnel receive two hours of student behavioral health awareness training approved by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities.

(c) The State Board of Education is authorized, subject to appropriations by the General Assembly, to provide funds to local school systems to support PBIS and RTI programs, initiatives, and personnel.

(d) The State Board of Education is authorized to establish rules and regulations for PBIS and RTI programs and initiatives which receive funding pursuant to this Code section.