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

o 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.Added by 2015 Ga. Laws 183,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2015.