TITLE: Relating to mental health training for public school educators.

SUMMARY: Relating to mental health training for public school educators.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to mental health training for public school educators. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 21.462, Education Code, is amended to read as follows: Sec. 21.462. RESOURCES REGARDING STUDENTS WITH MENTAL HEALTH NEEDS. (a) The commissioner shall develop training materials and other educator training resources for a school district to use in assisting educators in developing: (1) expertise in working with students with mental health needs; and (2) comprehension of the instructional approaches that, through scientific testing, have been proven effective in addressing mental health needs. (b) To the extent practicable, the training materials and other educator training resources developed under Subsection (a) [The agency, in coordination with the Health and Human Services Commission, shall establish and maintain an Internet website to provide resources for school district or open-enrollment charter school employees regarding working with students with mental health conditions. The agency] must include [on the Internet website] information about: (1) grief-informed and trauma-informed practices; (2) building skills related to managing emotions, establishing and maintaining positive relationships, and responsible decision-making; (3) positive behavior interventions and supports; and (4) a safe and supportive school climate. (c) The commissioner shall consult with classroom teachers and mental health professionals in developing the training materials and other educator training resources under Subsection (a). (d) The commissioner shall make the training materials and other educator training resources developed under Subsection (a) available to educators through distance learning, mentoring programs, small group inquiries, computer-assisted training, trainer-of-trainer models, and other mechanisms. (e) The commissioner shall use funds appropriated for the purpose to administer this section. SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2019.