THE 5E + IA Instructional Model
The STEMscopes curriculum's pedagogical roots can be traced back to the Russian launch of the Sputnik satellite in 1957...
Texas educators have a lot of questions about the state’s new Instructional Materials Review and Approval (IMRA) process. The IMRA process replaces the old proclamation process and introduces a more streamlined review system.
We know it’s not easy to navigate the tsunami of information out there. So, to help district review committees, curriculum directors, and other educators make sense of IMRA, we’ve put together this user-friendly guide.
We’ve designed this guide to be a dynamic document that will help clarify IMRA’s new procedures by answering commonly-asked questions. We’ll periodically update this Q&A with new information as it becomes available and as you submit new questions.
Below is a list of questions educators are currently asking. Just click on the question that matches yours, and you’ll be taken to the section with the corresponding answer.
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The eight-year cycle has been repealed.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:
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:
The SBOE will consider approving materials that meet the following criteria:
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.
IMRA Rubric Indicator 1.3d: Materials include guidance on the effective use of lesson materials for extended practice, e.g., homework, extension, enrichment.
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.
IMRA Rubric Indicator 3.2b: Materials include teacher guidance and recommendations for effective lesson delivery and facilitation using a variety of instructional approaches.
IMRA Rubric Indicator 4.3a: Materials provide spaced retrieval opportunities with previously learned skills and concepts across lessons and units.
IMRA Rubric Indicator 5.3c: Materials include supports for students in connecting, creating, defining, and explaining concrete and representational models to abstract concepts.
IMRA Rubric Indicator 6.1a: Materials provide opportunities for students to think mathematically, persevere through solving problems, and to make sense of mathematics.
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!
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