Instructional Materials
What are Strong Foundation Grants?
Local school systems can apply for two types of Strong Foundations grants. The planning grant helps school systems adopt or prepare to use high-quality instructional materials (HQIM). The implementation grant supports school systems in effectively implementing HQIM.
- Strong Foundations Planning (SFP) provides direct grant funds to school systems for technical assistance to develop a strong instructional framework in math or literacy, based in the research-based instructional strategies (RBIS), to guide teaching and learning in the school systems.
- Strong Foundations Implementation (SFI) provides direct grant funds to school systems for technical assistance to support high-fidelity implementation of the Bluebonnet Learning, state-developed open education resources (OER) instructional materials, including high-quality professional learning for teachers, instructional coaches, school leaders, campus administrators, and district leaders on effectively implementing Bluebonnet Learning.
The Strong Foundations Grant Program (Texas Education Code, 29.0881) was established through House Bill 4545, 87th Texas Legislature, 2021, and offers K–5 Math and Literacy, comprehensive tier-one instructional supports, including curriculum, instructional leadership, and planning supports.
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Strong Foundations Planning
A research-based instructional strategies (RBIS)-aligned framework in math or literacy that guides districts' instructional decision-making.
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Strong Foundations Implementation
Professional learning and implementation supports for teachers, coaches, and administrators implementing HQIM.
Instructional materials previously adopted and newly approved by the State Board of Education (SBOE), as well as non-adopted or non-approved instructional materials, can be purchased with designated instructional materials funds in EMAT, the state’s online ordering system.
Local school systems can procure instructional materials through a requisition for state-adopted and/or SBOE-approved instructional materials or through disbursements for materials ordered directly from the vendor.
Before procuring materials through EMAT, school systems must complete the following prerequisites:
- Complete the Certification of Provision of Instructional Materials (formerly known as the TEKS Certification Process).
- Complete EMAT training.
- Obtain EMAT Ordering Access by requesting the EMAT application in TEAL.
- Ensure all contacts and addresses in EMAT are updated.
EMAT Resources
Learn more about the different aspects involved in the procurement of instructional materials by exploring the following webpages:
Certification of Provision of Instructional Materials
Local school systems are required to certify annually to the State Board of Education (SBOE) and the commissioner.
Instructional Materials Funding
Instructional Materials Funding refers to the state funding streams available to local school systems to support the procurement of instructional materials.
EMAT Overview and Training
EMAT Overview and Training includes information and resources on requisitions, disbursements, accessible instructional materials, and freight.
Additional Resources
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Accessible Instructional Materials
Accessibility is the practice of making instructional materials usable by as many people as possible.
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Freight Funding Process
Freight is the shipping fee typically associated with purchasing physical instructional materials or technology.
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Multiple List Codes (MLCs) of Instructional Materials
MLCs allow school systems to search and explore previously adopted or currently approved instructional materials available for requisition in EMAT.
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Publisher Contact Information
Publisher Contact Information includes contact details for publishers of instructional materials within the EMAT system.