Section 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 academies 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 program 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 professional 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 school district or public charter school shall: 1. Submit an application in accordance with paragraph (c) of this subsection; and2. 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 Board 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 district or public charter school will implement the new curriculum by school and by grade level; and2. The timeline for the rollout of upgraded curriculum materials for core instruction in classrooms.(d) Available grant funding shall be distributed to eligible 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; and3. 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.Added by 2024 Ky. Acts ch. 222,§ 6, eff. 7/15/2024.