FAQ

How to Use the Allotment

Requisition Process

1. A local education agency (LEA) logs in to EMAT to submit a requisition for state-adopted materials.

2. Funds are deducted from the LEA’s allotment in EMAT.

3. TEA reviews the requisition.

4. If approved, TEA sends the order to the publisher. The publisher fulfills the order. TEA pays the publisher.

Disbursement Process

1. LEA logs into EMAT to submit a disbursement request.

2. Funds are deducted from the LEA’s allotment in EMAT.

3. TEA reviews the request and contacts the LEA for additional information if needed.

4. If approved, TEA sends the funds to the LEA. The LEA orders directly from the vendor and pays the vendor directly.

TEA pays for interstate and intrastate shipping of instructional materials. Refer to the Freight Information page for shipping details.

Examples of Allowable Expenses

Before submitting a disbursement request, review examples of allowable and non-allowable expenditures to understand what can be covered with these funds.

To determine the eligibility of a product or service (before or after entering a disbursement request in EMAT), complete the online Allotment Disbursement Requests form. TEA will contact you if more information is needed to determine the eligibility.

Allowable Instructional Materials

In addition to Currently Adopted Instructional Materials adopted by the State Board of Education under TEC, §31.024, TIMA funds also can be used to purchase:

• Non-adopted instructional materials (e.g., Fountas/Word Study, RAZ Kids, Sirius Education)

• Consumable instructional materials, including workbooks, student kits, and magazines

• Versions of non-adopted instructional materials that are fully accessible to students with disabilities, including large-print, braille, and audio materials

• Bilingual materials as provided by TEC, §31.029, including Spanish-to-English dictionaries and flash cards

• Instructional materials for use in college preparatory courses, including dual-credit textbooks and dual-credit online courses, as provided by TECs, §28.014 and §31.031

• Supplemental instructional materials, as provided by the TEC, §31.035, including band instruments and NWEA Maps

• State-developed, open-source instructional materials, as provided by TEC, Chapter 31, Subchapter B-1, including Texas Home Learning courses and open education resources

Allowable Technology Services

IMTA funds can be used for services that assist the technology or instructional materials used in the classroom, including:

• Activities related to the local review and adoption of instructional materials, such as a contracted service to determine instructional materials Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) coverage

• Training educational personnel directly involved in student learning in the appropriate use of instructional materials, including IMCAT registration or instructional materials trainings offered by publishers/vendors, and training for online testing.

• Providing access to technological equipment for instructional use, including wi-fi, postage during COVID, Google Suite, Screencastify, Zoom, single sign-on services, and internet connectivity

• Inventory software or systems for storing, managing, and accessing instructional materials (e.g., Canvas, Hayes Software Learning Management Systems, internet filtering)

• Software or the portion of a system that analyzes the use and effectiveness of instructional materials

• The salary and other expenses of an employee who provides technical support for the use of technological equipment directly involved in student learning (e.g., instructional technology trainer, computer/laptop technician)

• Printing services, printer paper, and ink/toner for copies of instructional materials (e.g., digital licenses that permit printing, black line masters) for teachers and students

Allowable Technology Equipment

IMTA funds can be used for technological equipment that contributes to student learning or supports the use of instructional materials, including:

• Laptops

• Headphones

• Desktops

• Calculators

• Charging carts

• Protective cases for tablets

Examples of allowable salary disbursement requests include:

• An employee who provides technical support for a learning management system (LMS) used to access instructional materials

• An employee who provides support through planning and professional development for teachers and staff to integrate technology into classroom instruction

• A computer lab technician who directly assists students

• An employee who performs maintenance and provides technical support for technological equipment used in labs and classrooms

To use the allotment for the salary or appropriate portion of the salary of an employee, districts must request a disbursement through EMAT and indicate the pay period on each submission. Salary disbursements are provided as reimbursements to the district’s payroll account.

Salary requests are accepted three times per year, and the deadlines remain the same every year:

November 30 for September, October, November

February 28 for December, January, February

May 31 or end-of-contract date for the remaining months

Non-Allowable Expenses:

IMTA funds cannot be used for the following materials and services:

• General professional development

• Programs for non-instructional purposes, such as scheduling

• Online gradebooks

• Book covers

• Physical conduits that transmit data, such as cabling and wiring or electricity

• Equipment used for moving or storing instructional materials (e.g., forklifts, pallets, pallet jacks, shrink wrap)

• Office and school supplies (e.g., pens, paper clips, desks, batteries, etc.)

• Items not directly related to student instruction, such as furniture, athletic equipment, extension cords, temporary contractors, or video surveillance equipment (e.g., chairs, basketballs, bleachers, surge protectors)

• Services for installation of equipment or hardwiring

• Travel expenses, including lodging, mileage, flights, or meals

• Salaries for teachers, testing coordinators, or instructional materials coordinators