About TEA
EMAT (Educational Materials Online)
A multipurpose web-based application that automates many of the processes involving the ordering, shipping, warehousing, redistribution and payment for state-adopted instructional materials requisitioned online by school districts and charter schools. Major users include textbook coordinators at school districts and charter schools, agency instructional materials and accounts payable staff, publisher depositories, freight carriers and express delivery companies, Braille and large type textbook producers, and publishing company sales staff.
ER (Expenditure Reporting)
A web-based system for expenditure reporting. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) uses this system for recipients of both formula and discretionary grants to submit requests for reimbursement. Users are able to access "real-time" information on the status of their payments and have access to comments TEA makes with regard to particular payments requests.
ESEA (Elementary and Secondary Education Act)
A federal law passed in 1965 that funded primary and secondary education. The act was reauthorized by Congress multiple times after its enactment and in 2001 was renamed the No Child Left Behind Act. This major education law is now being referred to as ESEA once again.
ESY (Extended School Year)
Individualized instructional programs provided beyond the regular school year for eligible students with disabilities under IDEA.
ETAC (Education Technology Advisory Committee)
A committee established by the Texas Legislature that works to increase the equity, efficiency and effectiveness of student learning, instructional management, staff development and administration. The committee is charged with recommending state and federal legislation as well as strategies for implementation of the Long-Range Plan for Technology 2006-2020.
EVI (Education Material for the Visually Impaired)
This is part of the online instructional materials ordering system known as EMAT. Districts are able to order Braille, large type or audio copies of adopted instructional material through this system.
FASRG (Financial Accountability System Resource Guide)
An official Texas Education Publication that describes the rules for financial accounting for charter schools, education service centers, and school districts
FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act)
A federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. Parents have a right of access to their children's education records. When a student turns 18 or enters college, the rights under FERPA transfer to the student.
FIRST (Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas)
An accountability rating for a school district. It is based on the district's overall performance on certain financial measurements, ratios, and other indicators that are established by the commissioner of education.
FSP (Foundation School Program)
The state program that establishes the amount of state and local funding due to school districts under the Texas school finance law.