(7) positive behavior interventions and supports (5) grief-informed and trauma-informed practices (4) suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention (3) substance abuse prevention and intervention
(2) building skills related to managing emotions, establishing and maintaining positive relationships, and responsible decision-making (1) early mental health prevention and intervention (c) The list provided under Subsection (a) must include programs and practices in the following areas: (b) Each school district may select from the list provided under Subsection (a) a program or programs appropriate for implementation in the district.
(a) The agency, in coordination with the Health and Human Services Commission and regional education service centers, shall provide and annually update a list of recommended best practice-based programs and research-based practices in the areas specified under Subsection (c) for implementation in public elementary, junior high, middle, and high schools within the general education setting. MENTAL HEALTH PROMOTION AND INTERVENTION, SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION AND INTERVENTION, AND SUICIDE PREVENTION. Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Youth Suicide Texas Education Code, Chapter 38, Subchapter G. 38.351 and are identified as such the others listed are complimentary programs that may meet some but not all of the requirements.
The best practice list below contains programs that meet all the requirements of TEC Sec. The Texas Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) reflects an almost 20-year trend of rising rates of sadness, hopelessness, and suicide attempts among Texas students, highlighting that suicide prevention, intervention and postvention is a key area of concern for schools. Suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention is reinforced by the following school mental health domains: mental health promotion, prevention, early intervention substance abuse prevention and intervention positive, safe, and supportive school climate and building skills related to emotions, positive relationships, and decision-making. Resources regarding suicide postvention are critical for school staff to know what to do following a suicide death to help students and staff cope with the loss and prevent additional tragedies that may occur. Suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention resources and programs help school staff recognize students at risk of suicide and intervene effectively by providing referrals or access to effective interventions to a parent or guardian as well as after an event that may increase suicide risk for students (e.g., a suicide attempt or death of a peer).