(p) "Multi-Tiered System of Supports" or "MTSS" means the system utilizing the problem-solving process to identify and support student needs based upon the available data. The data used in the process may include, but is not limited to, attendance, behavior/discipline, statewide assessment and progress monitoring assessment data.

6. The district’s plan for reducing the use of restraint and seclusion particularly in settings in which it occurs frequently or with students who are restrained repeatedly, and for reducing the use of prone restraint and mechanical restraint. The plan must include a goal for reducing the use of restraint and seclusion and must include activities, skills, and resources needed to achieve that goal. Activities may include, but are not limited to:

a. Additional training in positive behavioral support and crisis management;

b. Parental involvement;

c. Data review;

d. Updates of students’ functional behavioral analysis and positive behavior intervention plans;

e. Additional student evaluations;

f. Debriefing with staff;

g. Use of schoolwide positive behavior support; and

h. Changes to the school environment.

(16) Mental health assistance allocation. — The mental health assistance allocation is created to provide funding to assist school districts in establishing or expanding school-based mental health care; train educators and other school staff in detecting and responding to mental health issues; and connect children, youth, and families who may experience behavioral health issues with appropriate services. These funds shall be allocated annually in the General Appropriations Act or other law to each eligible school district. Each school district shall receive a minimum of $100,000, with the remaining balance allocated based on each school district’s proportionate share of the state’s total unweighted full-time equivalent student enrollment. Charter schools that submit a plan separate from the school district are entitled to a proportionate share of district funding. The allocated funds may not supplant funds that are provided for this purpose from other operating funds and may not be used to increase salaries or provide bonuses. School districts are encouraged to maximize third-party health insurance benefits and Medicaid claiming for services, where appropriate.

(a) Before the distribution of the allocation:

1. The school district must develop and submit a detailed plan outlining the local program and planned expenditures to the district school board for approval. This plan must include all district schools, including charter schools, unless a charter school elects to submit a plan independently from the school district pursuant to subparagraph 2.

2. A charter school may develop and submit a detailed plan outlining the local program and planned expenditures to its governing body for approval. After the plan is approved by the governing body, it must be provided to the charter school’s sponsor.

(b) The plans required under paragraph (a) must be focused on a multi-tiered system of supports to deliver evidence-based mental health care assessment, diagnosis, intervention, treatment, and recovery services to students with one or more mental health or co-occurring substance abuse diagnoses and to students at high risk of such diagnoses. The provision of these services must be coordinated with a student’s primary mental health care provider and with other mental health providers involved in the student’s care.

This webpage provides information and links to further resources on academic and social-emotional multi-tiered system of supports.