Section 388.1635j - Early literacy funding for districts and intermediate districts(1) From the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated for 2023-2024 only an amount not to exceed $140,000,000.00 for payments to districts and intermediate districts to improve literacy instructional practices by investing in quality, research-based best practices, and professional learning.(2) Subject to subsection (4), to be eligible to receive funding under this section, a district or intermediate district must apply for the funding in a form and manner prescribed by the department. Intermediate districts may apply for funding under this section on behalf of their constituent districts.(3) From the allocation under subsection (1), the department shall make payments to eligible districts and intermediate districts in an equal amount per pupil based on the number of pupils in the district or intermediate district in grades pre-K to 5. Districts and intermediate districts receiving funding under this section must use that funding for all of the following purposes: (a) Providing professional learning for all pre-K to grade 5 teachers, administrators, and instructional coaches in literacy instruction best practices.(b) Complementing existing efforts to improve literacy instruction.(c) Developing and implementing a comprehensive literacy system.(4) For a district or intermediate district to be eligible for funding under this section, the district or intermediate district must do all of the following: (a) Use a valid screening tool, as determined by the department, to identify gaps in current literacy practices and complete a needs assessment.(b) Submit a plan to the department targeting identified focus areas to address gaps in literacy practices.(c) Ensure 100% of current pre-K to grade 5 teachers complete selected training.(d) Report to the department and post on its website which pre-K to grade 5 literacy curriculum and benchmark assessment the district or intermediate districts utilized.(5) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection and notwithstanding section 17b, the department shall make payments under this section on a schedule determined by the department. The department must not pay more than 50% of the amount allocated in subsection (1) in 2023-2024 and must pay remaining eligible payments during 2024-2025.(6) Funds allocated under this section for 2023-2024 are a work project appropriation, and any unexpended funds for 2023-2024 are carried forward into 2024-2025. The purpose of the work project is to improve literacy instructional practices. The estimated completion date of the work project is September 30, 2025.Added by 2023, Act 103,s 88, eff. 10/1/2023.