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Under new IMRA rules, HEB ISD recommends Saddlier phonics for K–3; funding and rollout discussed
Summary
District curriculum staff explained state changes under HB 1605 (IMRA), the shift to 100% TEKS‑aligned HQIMs and funding entitlements, and recommended Saddlier phonics (on the IMRA list) for K–3 so the SBOE entitlement can be used; board discussion covered implementation and teacher training.
District curriculum leaders told the board that new state rules for instructional‑materials adoption have changed what resources can be funded and when.
Dr. Norgaard explained that House Bill 1605 (IMRA) replaces the prior proclamation process and raises the threshold for high‑quality instructional materials (HQIM) to 100% TEKS alignment, meaning materials previously acceptable under a 50% alignment standard may no longer qualify for the SBOE entitlement. She said the funding picture now includes an Instructional Materials and Technology Allotment (IMTA) and two entitlements (SBOE‑approved materials and open education resources), with $40 per student cited as an example of an annual entitlement amount; allotments continue to roll over and entitlements are issued annually.
On the district’s first IMRA selection, K–3 phonics, Norgaard said the curriculum committee (including teachers and principals from all 21 elementary campuses) recommended Saddlier phonics, which appears on the IMRA approved list and therefore can be purchased with SBOE entitlement funds. “We’re recommending Saddlier from Phonics to Reading. It’s on the IMRA list. We can use the SBOE bucket of money to pay for it,” she said.
Board members asked about teacher training and continuity across grades; staff said implementation training will occur during August professional development days and throughout the year and that the district considered grade‑level continuity and fund sustainability when making the recommendation.
No final purchase was recorded in the work session minutes; the presentation included curriculum reports and committee documentation that staff said are attached for board review.
