KDE hires Chelsey Tingle as new director of mathematics education
The Kentucky Department of Education has named Chelsey Tingle as the new director of mathematics education.
Tingle brings a strong record of leadership and service in Kentucky schools, with more than eight years as the assistant superintendent for Henry County Public Schools. Prior to that role, she served as an elementary school principal, a college and career readiness counselor with the Race to the Top Grant, and began her career as an elementary special education teacher. She also has contributed to statewide work as a member of the Quality Curriculum Taskforce.
Tingle said math education is a critical component to any student's education.
“Mathematics is more than numbers; it’s a language of logic, patterns and possibility," she said. "When students engage deeply with math, they build confidence, resilience and the ability to reason through complex challenges. This prepares them to grow into thoughtful, capable individuals who can lead in any field.”
As the director of mathematics education in KDE's Office of Teaching and Learning, Tingle is focused on ensuring access to high-quality math instruction statewide.
“My mission is to support and ensure access to high-quality math instruction statewide," Tingle said. "Educators are the backbone of mathematics education and growing their expertise will shape the experience for the student. It is critical to equip them with the tools and professional learning they need to lead confidently in their classrooms.”
In her new role, Tingle also will directly oversee the implementation of the Kentucky Numeracy Counts Act, the statewide initiative established in House Bill 162 (2024). Sponsored by Rep. James Tipton, this legislation underscores the General Assembly’s commitment to ensuring every student achieves mathematics proficiency through high-quality instruction, multi-tiered systems of support, and targeted improvement plans beginning in the early grades.
Tingle’s leadership will be key in supporting schools and districts as they implement these requirements and strengthen mathematics education for all Kentucky students. The position will receive sustainable funding from the Kentucky General Assembly through the Kentucky Numeracy Counts Act.
Tingle is a native of Henry County and credits her own opportunities to the support of educators and leaders she had as a student. Today, she and her husband, Derek, are raising their two sons, and she can often be found cheering them on at sporting events in the evenings and on weekends.
|
2025 Approved K-12 High-Quality Instructional Resources for Mathematics
Per KRS 158.8402(5)(b), “Each superintendent shall adopt an evidence-based curriculum along with high-quality instructional resources for mathematics that is determined by the department to be reliable, valid, and aligned to Kentucky academic standards for mathematics required by KRS 158.6453 for kindergarten through grade three (3).” To support local selection processes, the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) has released an approved list of K-12 high-quality instructional resources (HQIRs) for mathematics, focusing on Tier 1 core comprehensive resources. A core comprehensive instructional resource is one that serves as the primary means of instruction in a content area for a grade level or course. This list is designed to assist superintendents in navigating the complex marketplace of educational resources. Kentucky law, specifically KRS 160.345, places the authority for developing local curriculum, including the selection of instructional materials, with local superintendents, following appropriate consultation.
To further aid in the evaluation and selection process, the KDE also has released the Model Curriculum Framework’s Curriculum Development Process and a Mathematics Instructional Resource Consumer Guide. While all materials on the approved list meet the KDE standards for HQIRs and have been informed by feedback from the Quality Curriculum Taskforce, districts are encouraged to conduct thorough local reviews to ensure that selected materials align with their specific needs and the local instructional vision. Off-list notification is still protected and allowable per KRS 156.445.
More information about the approved mathematics list can be found on KDE’s Instructional Resources webpage.
New Math Improvement Plan Template Now Available
Per KRS 158.8402, beginning with the 2026-2027 academic year, within the first 60 calendar days, a mathematics improvement plan, based on data from the diagnostic assessment, shall be developed and implemented by a mathematics improvement team for any student in K-3 identified as needing accelerated interventions to progress toward proficient performance in mathematics. To assist districts in effectively developing and implementing Mathematics Improvement Plans, the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) has developed a template as an example that incorporates the requirements of KRS 158.8402. Districts may modify the template to fit the local context as needed.
The template can be used during the problem-solving process to document intervention plans, progress monitoring data and parent notification. An existing student intervention plan developed, implemented and monitored as part of a multi-tiered system of supports may also meet the requirements of the reading improvement plan if it addresses the components required by HB 162 (2024), the Kentucky Numeracy Counts Act.
The Math Improvement Plan is not yet available as a form in Infinite Campus, but will be added during the 2025-2026 school year.
District or School Spotlight
If you would like to spotlight your effective mathematics instructional practices—please fill out this form to be considered for our Numeracy Newsletter
Don't Miss the KY Numeracy Counts Newsletter
Did someone share this newsletter with you? Sign up to receive the KY Numeracy Counts Newsletter each month.
Did you miss last week's Standards Newsletter? You can access all previous editions on the Numeracy Counts webpage.
|
