Plain English Breakdown
The official text does not define 'social-emotional learning' or 'restorative practices,' only that they are part of a universal Tier 1 approach.
AB-1851: School Support for Student Health and Behavior
This law requires the State Department of Education to create guides on student mental health, behavior, and social-emotional learning by July 2027, which schools must follow if funding is available.
What This Bill Does
- Requires the State Department of Education to publish guidance, resources, and help for a universal approach to social-emotional learning, behavioral health, and restorative practices by July 1, 2027.
- Requires school districts and county offices of education to follow this new guidance based on available funding.
- Allows charter schools to use these same guidelines if they choose to do so.
- Requires school districts and county offices of education to provide training for staff to help them implement the new rules.
- Directs the state to contract with expert agencies as lead entities by January 1, 2028, to support local schools.
Who It Names or Affects
- The State Department of Education
- School districts and county offices of education
- Charter schools
- Students in kindergarten through grade 12
Terms To Know
- Social-emotional learning
- A universal approach to teaching students about feelings and behavior.
- Restorative practices
- Methods included in the new guidance for supporting student health and behavior.
- Tier 1 approach
- A universal plan designed to support every student in a school, not just those with specific problems.
Limits and Unknowns
- The bill only works if the state legislature approves money for it.
- School districts must follow the rules only as far as their available funding allows.
- Charter schools are allowed to use the guidance but not required to do so.