RFP SchoolWatch IMRA 2026 Guidance Series.

For publishers preparing to participate in the Texas IMRA 2026 cycle, one of the earliest questions is how closely to follow the Texas State Board of Education meetings. These gatherings, which are livestreamed and open to the public, are not only formal sessions but also valuable opportunities to gain insight into how the process unfolds. Each meeting offers insight into the priorities and decision-making approaches of board members, who hold the authority to approve, reject, or amend recommendations made by the Texas Education Agency.

The State Board of Education is composed of elected officials, while the Texas Education Agency is managed by appointed staff who oversee the daily administration of instructional materials review. The distinction between these two entities is important because it highlights how policy and procedure intersect during the adoption process. The SBOE’s meetings bring these two elements together, blending the broader policy discussions of elected members with the detailed, technical reports delivered by the TEA. For those observing, this exchange can be highly instructive, as it reveals how educational standards, politics, and public sentiment all converge to shape outcomes.

It is not necessary to attend every meeting in person. The SBOE holds multiple sessions throughout the year, many of which are procedural and can be watched virtually. These sessions typically include updates on TEA operations, discussion of future priorities, or presentations of public feedback. Attending virtually is sufficient for keeping informed, particularly in late 2025 and early 2026, when most activity centers around Form A submissions, process updates, and preparation for the first wave of program reviews.

There are, however, specific meetings where being physically present has distinct advantages. The final SBOE meeting of 2025, for example, will address key components of the IMRA 2026 framework. Observing that meeting in person allows publishers to gauge board member perspectives and interpret the tone of upcoming discussions. It is also an opportunity to identify topics that spark more deliberation, which can help inform how internal teams frame and prepare their own submissions in the months that follow.

During 2026, the most important meetings to follow will be those where updates to standards, rubrics, or suitability guidelines are discussed. These sessions often reveal how the TEA intends to interpret compliance, accessibility, and content expectations in real-time. While recordings and summaries are published afterward, hearing those conversations directly can help teams anticipate changes before they are finalized. Many experienced publishers note that what is said in these meetings often foreshadows adjustments to review criteria later in the cycle.

The final approval meeting, typically held in late 2026, is the one that should not be missed. This is the meeting at which the SBOE votes on which instructional materials will appear on the List of Approved Instructional Materials for Texas schools. It marks the conclusion of the review cycle and the point at which all of the work of product development, editing, accessibility compliance, and alignment converges. For this meeting, the organization’s adoption lead should plan to attend, along with one or two representatives from the product team and colleagues who have supported the review and submission process. Their presence allows them to witness the discussion firsthand and demonstrate respect for the work that has gone into the review process.

Attending these sessions is also an opportunity to build professional relationships. The SBOE meetings bring together publishers, educators, advocates, and agency staff, creating a setting where informal conversations often lead to long-term professional connections. Publishers who consistently engage in these settings tend to develop a better understanding of how board members think and what issues are most significant to them. These relationships, when built respectfully and within appropriate boundaries, often make future collaborations and clarifications more efficient.

Public comment sessions, which take place during the review period, are another dimension of these meetings that publishers should observe. These sessions allow residents of Texas, district leaders, and educators to share their views on materials under review. Understanding the tone and content of these comments can help publishers anticipate concerns or questions that might arise before the final vote. The TEA compiles these comments and provides them to the SBOE, which often influences the tone of later deliberations.

When deciding which meetings to attend, striking a balance is key. Observing all sessions through livestream or recording helps maintain awareness of the process. However, physical attendance at a few critical moments adds depth and context that cannot be replicated virtually. It provides an opportunity to understand the nuances of the discussion, observe how decisions are made in real-time, and experience the process from within the room rather than from the outside looking in.

This month’s milestone, Form A due October 31, is both a procedural and symbolic marker that signals your organization’s intent to engage in IMRA 2026. Form A also sets in motion a series of decisions about how actively to participate in the process beyond submissions and paperwork. Form A confirms that your company is ready to participate in the cycle; attending select meetings ensures that you understand the environment in which this cycle unfolds.

Tip: Want to see what the final stages of a high-stakes adoption look like before your own submission reaches that point? Watch the November 2024 SBOE meeting recordings, available on the TEA’s official website. The recordings provide a clear picture of how deliberations are structured, how publishers are discussed, and how the final votes are cast. It is an excellent way to prepare for the atmosphere and expectations of your own approval meeting next year.

When publishers choose to engage with the SBOE in a measured and informed way, they gain a perspective that extends beyond the IMRA timeline. They develop a stronger understanding of the conversations shaping educational policy in Texas and build relationships that can support their work long after this cycle concludes. Presence, whether virtual or in person, becomes a means of participating in the broader conversation about public education.

Milestone Reminder: Form A (Publisher Business Information) is due October 31, 2025.

Next in the Series: Am I Ready to Respond? A Readiness Checklist for Publishers.