Understanding IMRA:
Your Top Questions Answered

IMRA covers all instructional materials: textbooks, videos, online programs or digital platforms, apps, manipulatives, etc. The sole restriction is that school systems can only access the funding provided under IMRA by buying materials that have been approved through the IMRA process.

IMRA has not replaced IMTA. The two co-exist. That means it’s possible for you to access IMRA funding in addition to the funds allocated to your district via IMTA.

The way IMTA provides funds to districts is significantly different from the IMRA process. Under IMTA, districts are entitled to an allotment that is determined by the commissioner. Those funds become available after September 1st on every odd-numbered year (e.g., September 1, 2025). You can use IMTA funds to pay specific technical support employees as well as to buy any instructional materials (and technology) you choose, even if they are not on the SBOE’s approved list. 

In contrast, districts are not entitled to IMRA funding. You can only access IMRA funds when you buy instructional materials that have been approved via the IMRA process.  

The eight-year cycle has been repealed. The SBOE can now review materials annually if it chooses. 

There are four advantages to using materials on the IMRA-approved list:

• Extra funding: When school systems purchase materials that are on the IMRA-approved list, they gain access to extra funding from two new allotments: the State-Approved Materials Allotment and the Open Education Resources (OER) Printing Allotment.
• The State-Approved Materials Allotment provides rollover funds that amount to $40 per student. If a district chooses an open education resource from the approved list, the OER Printing Allotment kicks in, providing additional funds of $20 per student (in addition to the State-Approved Materials Allotment of $40 per student).
• When districts use the EMAT system to place requisitions for materials that were approved through the IMRA process, they will draw funds from the new allotments. Note: Districts do not get $40 (and $20) for each subject area on the IMRA-approved list. Instead, they get a total of $40 (and $20) per student.
• Unexpended balances carryover: The State-Approved Materials Allotment keeps accumulating in a school system’s account even in years when the school system does not requisition materials. Note: The OER Printing Allotment is only available in the same year.
• Simplified buying process: The buying process is faster and simpler because districts do not have to go through a request for proposals (RFP) process.
• Assurance of quality: The IMRA process ensures that districts have access to materials that are 100% aligned to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).

Materials previously adopted by the SBOE will NOT qualify for the additional IMRA funding unless they are reviewed and approved in the IMRA process.

IMRA-approved instructional resources are evaluated and approved using the criteria in rubrics specifically designed for the IMRA review process. Therefore, only IMRA-approved materials qualify for the additional funding.  

The SBOE plans to make a list of qualifying materials available in the EMAT system by the end of 2024. At that time, districts can begin to consider which instructional materials would be suitable for their needs. In March 2025, districts will be able to begin requisitioning the materials.

Yes, the learning quality category of IMRA quality rubrics is specific to each content area.

IMRA quality rubrics are divided into two categories: implementation quality and learning quality. The learning quality category measures the extent to which content area materials include high-quality, research-aligned components. 

Note: The implementation quality category is designed to measure the extent to which the materials facilitate effective implementation, including intentional instructional design, progress monitoring, and support for all learners. In addition, materials are reviewed using a suitability rubric that addresses content that is legally mandated as well as content that is prohibited by law.

The current review cycle is called “IMRA cycle 24” (for 2024), and the following content areas and grade levels are being reviewed:

• English Reading Language Arts K-5
• English Reading Phonics K-3
• Spanish Reading Language Arts K-5
• Spanish Phonics K-3
• Mathematics K-12

The SBOE will consider approving materials that meet the following criteria:

• Covers 100% of the TEKS and applicable English Language Proficiency Standards (ELPS)
• No factual errors
• Meets the quality score threshold for standards proficiency and instructional design, as determined by the SBOE
• Is suitable for the subject and grade level or course, as determined by the standards in the suitability rubric
• Complies with all applicable laws
• Complies with physical manufacturing and digital accessibility standards
• Provides a parent portal

You have two options for providing input during the review phase of the IMRA: 

Option #1: Teachers, parents, university staff, curriculum experts as well as business and industry leaders can apply to serve on review teams during the evaluation period, which runs from May through August. You will be assigned to a team that matches your content expertise.

Note: The Texas Education Agency (TEA) estimates that reviewers will have to work 40 hours a week on average. You will also have to go through preliminary training and attend meetings. Due to that time commitment, the TEA is providing reviewers with a stipend and travel reimbursements.  

Option #2: At the same time, members of the public will be able to review and comment on the set of instructional materials undergoing evaluation. The SBOE will also factor that public feedback into its decisions. 

Note: The SBOE will have final say on which instructional materials are included on the approved list.

STEMscopes Math is 100% aligned to the TEKS and ELPS, which is a critical initial step in the IMRA approval process. Additionally, we address every component of the new quality rubric for mathematics. Below are a few examples of how our approach to learning correlates to the IMRA rubric indicators:

IMRA Rubric Indicator 1.2a: Materials include comprehensive unit overviews that provide the background content knowledge and academic vocabulary necessary to effectively teach the concepts in the unit.

• The STEMscopes approach to math and STEM instruction includes explicitly teaching vocabulary.

IMRA Rubric Indicator 1.3d: Materials include guidance on the effective use of lesson materials for extended practice, e.g., homework, extension, enrichment.

• The STEMscopes suggested scope calendars ensure that instruction doesn’t stop once students leave the classroom.

IMRA Rubric Indicator 3.1a: Materials include teacher guidance for differentiated instruction, activities, and/or paired/scaffolded lessons for students who have not yet reached proficiency on grade-level content and skills.

• STEMscopes Math includes several materials that support teachers as they implement differentiated instruction, hands-on activities, and/or paired or scaffolded lessons:

• • Suggested scope calendars
  • Scaffolded instruction guides
  • Instructional supports
  • Small-group intervention/Skill review and practice
• We provide curricula that address as many ways to learn as possible and help teachers deliver instruction that adapts to different learning styles so that math instruction is accessible to all students.

IMRA Rubric Indicator 3.2b: Materials include teacher guidance and recommendations for effective lesson delivery and facilitation using a variety of instructional approaches.

• STEMscopes Math includes resources, such as lesson planning guides, that make it easier for teachers to deliver effective instruction.

IMRA Rubric Indicator 4.3a: Materials provide spaced retrieval opportunities with previously learned skills and concepts across lessons and units.

• STEMscopes’ connected standards and suggested scope calendars help teachers gain a better view of how students’ skills build from one grade level to the next.
• Additionally, the STEMscopes curriculum is based on the 5E (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, Evaluate) instructional model. In the Engage phase, students take part in activities that access prior knowledge and build foundations for what they will be learning. The Elaborate phase involves students working on Spiraled Review (skills practice) activities in which they solve four math problems related to a story.

IMRA Rubric Indicator 5.3c: Materials include supports for students in connecting, creating, defining, and explaining concrete and representational models to abstract concepts.

• The STEMscopes Math curriculum gives students the opportunity to apply their knowledge to hands-on experiences through guiding questions, Math Chats, and journals. Plus, our virtual manipulatives help users make connections between more abstract concepts and real-world scenarios.

IMRA Rubric Indicator 6.1a: Materials provide opportunities for students to think mathematically, persevere through solving problems, and to make sense of mathematics.

• STEMscopes Math includes research-based Daily Numeracy and data science activities designed to help students reason with numbers and strengthen their understanding of math.

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The SBOE has stated that it does not plan to place science materials on the IMRA list within the foreseeable future. Therefore, Proclamation 2024 is continuing as planned. The instructional materials that the SBOE adopted under this proclamation will be available for purchase in the 2024-25 school year.

Materials adopted under Proclamation 2024 do not qualify for IMRA funds. However,  they do qualify for IMTA (Instructional Materials and Technology Allotment) funds. 

The SBOE plans to launch a new website with information about IMRA-approved instructional materials in December 2024. The website will enable educators to compare the materials’ pricing and relevant features, making it easier to plan future purchases.

Starting in March 2025, the EMAT system will be updated to allow requisitions of IMRA-approved materials. Shipment of those materials will begin in July 2025.

The SBOE plans to make IMRA funds available in August 2025. Educators will be able to use the funds to make purchases for the 2025-26 school year.

We hope you have found the answers to your questions. IMRA is still very new, so the SBOE may adjust the process in the months or years to come. We are all learning about it as we go and will continue to make updates to this guide as new information is released. Together, we will make the transition smoother!