AN ACT relating to improving mathematics and science teaching and learning.
     Create a new section of KRS Chapter 164 to establish the Math and Science Teacher Forgivable Loan Program to increase the number of middle and high school math and science teachers; require KHEAA to administer the fund; identify the conditions under which a loan would be made; identify priorities for loan distribution; create a new section of KRS Chapter 158 to establish the Middle School Math and Science Scholars Program; require the program to offer two-year renewable grants to middle schools to support intensive, accelerated student learning in math and science; require the Kentucky Board of Education to promulgate administrative regulations to define the grant process; set forth activities that may be supported by the program; require the program to focus attention on attracting members of subpopulations with academic achievement gaps; create a new section of KRS Chapter 158 to establish the Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate incentive fund for the establishment and expansion of AP courses; provide grants to schools to start-up AP and IB programs; provide funding for the cost of AP and IB exams; provide scholarships to students enrolled in Kentucky Virtual High School AP courses; require KBE to set long-term and annual goals to increase participation in AP coursework; create a new section of KRS Chapter 157 to provide a one-time salary supplement to a tenured teacher who obtains a minor in math or science; create a new section of KRS Chapter 164 to create the Academy of Mathematics and Science at Western Kentucky University to provide a residential program for high school juniors and seniors interested in pursuing careers in math, science, technology, and engineering; define the purposes and long-term goals of the academy; require academy students to take state high school assessments; allow academy students to earn high school and college credit; require academy to be funded by state appropriations; amend KRS 156.553 to allow teachers' professional growth fund to support mentorship or professional development programs for math or science teachers; amend KRS 157.360 to establish 24 as the maximum class size for grades 4-12 math and science; require KDE to provide adjusted base level funding for each student in average daily attendance at the Academy of Math and Science to WKU; amend KRS 158.060 to require all teachers be given a minimum of 150 minutes of common planning time per week; amend 158.140 to allow the Academy of Math and Science to award diplomas to graduates of the program; amend KRS 161.770 to allow a paraprofessional to request and be awarded a professional leave of absence; amend 164.757 to require district teacher certification loan funds be used to pay for tuition, textbooks, and release time or leaves of absence for teachers and paraprofessionals to acquire teaching certification or math or science minors; amend KRS 164.7874 to include the Academy of Mathematics and Science within the definition of high school; include academy students as those eligible for KEES awards; amend KRS 164.7885 to require the Academy of Mathematics and Science to report student data to KHEAA.

     Jan 8-introduced in Senate
     Jan 9-to Education (S)