Center for Mathematics -- Creation, duties, and location -- Annual report

(Effective July 15, 2026) (1) The Center for Mathematics is hereby created to make available professional development for teachers in reliable, research-based diagnostic assessment and intervention strategies, coaching and mentoring models, and other programs in mathematics. The center shall be headed by an executive director and administered by Northern Kentucky University. The center shall: (a) Act as a clearinghouse for information about professional development programs for teachers that address mathematics diagnostic assessment, intervention programs, coaching and mentoring programs, and other instructional strategies to address students' needs; (b) Collaborate with Kentucky's other public and private postsecondary institutions to develop teachers' mathematical knowledge needed for teaching and help teachers improve students' mathematical concepts, thinking, problem-solving, and skills, with an emphasis on diagnostic assessment and intervention programs for students in the primary program; (c) Provide teacher training to develop teacher leaders and teaching specialists in primary programs who have skills in diagnostic assessment and intervention services to assist struggling students or those who are at risk of failure in mathematics. The center may contract for services in order to carry out this responsibility; (d) Maintain a demonstration and training site for mathematics located at each of the public universities; (e) Advise the Kentucky Department of Education and Kentucky Board of Education regarding: 1. Early mathematics content, diagnostic assessment practices, and intervention programs; 2. Costs and effectiveness of various mathematics intervention programs; 3. Coaching and mentoring models that help improve student achievements; 4. Trends and issues relating to mathematics programs in schools throughout the state; and 5. The establishment and implementation of the Middle School Mathematics and Science Scholars Program established under KRS 158.848; and (f) Disseminate information to teachers, administrators, and policymakers on an ongoing basis. (2) On or before October 1 of each year, Northern Kentucky University shall submit a report to the Council on Postsecondary Education and the Legislative Research Commission, for referral to the appropriate interim joint committee, on the operation of the center and the impact of the center on student achievement.