The State Board of Education is authorized and directed to devise career ladder programs for teachers and other certificated professional personnel which provide such personnel who demonstrate above average or outstanding competencies relative to their respective positions and exhibit above average or outstanding performance in executing their assigned responsibilities with salary supplements in recognition of such competency and performance. Achievement of students beyond the level that is typically expected for their ability shall be included in the performance criteria for any of the respective personnel categories when specified by the state board. The state board shall submit its policies and guidelines pertaining to the implementation of career ladder programs, along with the recommendations of the career ladder task force, to the General Assembly for review prior to submitting a request for funds to grant salary supplements under this program. The state board shall grant sufficient funds to each local unit of administration to pay the salary supplements of all personnel awarded supplements under the career ladder programs, subject to appropriation by the General Assembly.