KRS 158.843: Kentucky numeracy counts fund -- Uses -- Eligibility.

(1) The Kentucky numeracy counts fund is hereby created for the purpose of training

and supporting teachers to improve the mathematics content and practices of

students in kindergarten through grade eight (8), as set forth in subsection (2) of this

section and KRS 158.8402(12). The fund shall consist of all moneys received from

state appropriations, gifts, grants, and federal funds for this purpose. The

department shall administer the fund.

(2) The department shall implement teacher professional learning academ ies related to

evidence-based practices in instruction, instructional materials, and assessment in

mathematics using moneys appropriated to or otherwise received by the Kentucky

numeracy counts fund.

(3) The department shall create a mathematics coaching p rogram using moneys

appropriated to or otherwise received by the Kentucky numeracy counts fund. The

program shall:

(a) Use data coaches to improve mathematics instruction and intervention;

(b) Determine the effectiveness of intensive data -focused professio nal

development; and

(c) Provide expert support in mathematics instruction and intervention.

(4) (a) The department shall provide grants to local school districts and public charter

schools. The grant shall only be used to purchase approved high -quality

research and evidence-based curriculum aligned to kindergarten through grade

three (3) academic standards in mathematics and expenditures for curriculum -

based professional learning to implement new curriculum.

(b) To be eligible to receive a grant, a local s chool district or public charter

school shall:

1. Submit an application in accordance with paragraph (c) of this

subsection; and

2. Agree to adopt a common comprehensive mathematics program that is

determined by the department to be reliable, valid, and aligned to

mathematics standards required by KRS 158.6453 and outlined in an

administrative regulation promulgated by the Kentucky Boa rd of

Education.

(c) Local school districts shall submit applications that include a district -wide

plan and public charter schools shall submit applications that include a school

plan for implementation of mathematics curriculum that includes:

1. How the d istrict or public charter school will implement the new

curriculum by school and by grade level; and

2. The timeline for the rollout of upgraded curriculum materials for core

instruction in classrooms.

(d) Available grant funding shall be distributed to el igible applicants based on a

rubric developed by the department. The rubric shall consider the information

provided in accordance with paragraphs (b) and (c) of this subsection and

prioritize applications from local school districts or public charter schools:

1. In which more than fifty percent (50%) of the enrolled students scored

below the statewide average on the statewide assessments in

mathematics administered for the preceding school year;

2. With the greatest need for financial assistance; and

3. That propose comprehensive plans most likely to increase student

achievement in mathematics.

(e) The department shall distribute the awarded grant money to a public charter

school authorizer, and the authorizer shall distribute one hundred percent

(100%) of the grant money to the charter school.

(5) Notwithstanding the provisions of KRS 45.229, unexpended funds in the Kentucky

numeracy counts fund shall not lapse but shall carry forward to the next fiscal year

and shall be used for the purposes established in this section.

(6) Any interest earned on moneys in the fund shall become part of the fund and shall

not lapse.