(a) The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:

(1) That the state has continually sought to provide an appropriate and meaningful educational program in a safe and healthy environment for all children regardless of possible physical, mental, or emotionally disabling conditions.

(2) That some schoolage individuals with exceptional needs have significant behavioral challenges that have an adverse impact on their learning or the learning of other pupils, or both.

(3) That Section 1400(c)(5)(F) of Title 20 of the United States Code states that research and experience demonstrate that the education of children with disabilities can be made more effective by providing incentives for positive behavioral interventions and supports to address the learning and behavioral needs of those children.

(4) That procedures for the elimination of maladaptive behaviors shall not include those deemed unacceptable under Section 49001 or those that cause pain or trauma.

(b) It is the intent of the Legislature:

(1) That children exhibiting serious behavioral challenges receive timely and appropriate assessments and positive supports and interventions in accordance with the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1400 et seq.) and its implementing regulations.

(2) That assessments and positive behavioral interventions and supports be developed and implemented in a manner informed by guidance from the United States Department of Education and technical assistance centers sponsored by the Office of Special Education Programs of the United States Department of Education.

(3) That when behavioral interventions, supports, and other strategies are used, they be used in consideration of the pupil’s physical freedom and social interaction, be administered in a manner that respects human dignity and personal privacy, and that ensure a pupil’s right to placement in the least restrictive educational environment.

(4) That behavioral intervention plans be developed and used, to the extent possible, in a consistent manner when the pupil is also the responsibility of another agency for residential care or related services.

(5) That training programs be developed and implemented in institutions of higher education that train teachers and that in-service training programs be made available as necessary in school districts and county offices of education to ensure that adequately trained staff are available to work effectively with the behavioral intervention needs of individuals with exceptional needs.

(Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 48, Sec. 41. (AB 86) Effective July 1, 2013.)