The Strong Foundations Grant Program in Texas offers two types of grants for local education agencies (LEAs): Planning and Implementation. The Planning grant assists LEAs in adopting or preparing to use high-quality instructional materials (HQIM), particularly in math or literacy. It includes support for developing instructional frameworks, optional adoption assistance for selecting new HQIM, and training to establish effective district-level instructional management systems. On the other hand, the Implementation grant provides in-kind support for pre-implementation planning and tailored professional learning for teachers, coaches, and administrators to effectively implement HQIM. Established through House Bill 4545 in the 87th Texas Legislature, this program aims to provide comprehensive Tier 1 instructional support for K–5 Math & Literacy, encompassing curriculum, instructional leadership, and planning assistance. 

The Strong Foundations Planning initiative, sponsored by the Texas Education Agency (TEA), aims to allocate funds strategically to enable all districts to develop instructional frameworks aligned with research-based instructional strategies (RBIS). To achieve this, districts funded under this initiative are required to ensure curriculum alignment with Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) standards, implement effective change management structures, and partner with approved providers from the Strong Foundations Approved Provider (AP) List. The grant is intended to support instructional shifts by facilitating successful change management systems.  

Strong Foundations Planning Sequence  

1. Build a Roadmap 

• Build a math/literacy committee 

• Plan framework development process 

• Create and norm on decision-making process 

2. Communications Plan 

• Determine who are the larger stakeholder groups 

• Develop customized communication plans for each group 

• Setup systems of coaching for stakeholders throughout the process 

3. Collective Learning 

• Develop a collective learning scope and sequence focused on the research-based instructional strategies (RBIS) in math and/or literacy 

• Complete collective learning with the committee 

• Stamp key collective learning takeaways 

4. Develop Framework 

• Based on learning, draft vision, and framework 

• Collect feedback and iterate upon the draft with the committee 

• Vote on the final framework 

5. Implement Framework 

• Use the final framework to assess existing district supports including: 

• Curriculum and instructional materials 

• Professional learning focus and design 

• Coaching structures and tools 

6. Plan for Instructional Materials 

• Provide customized support for the district such as: 

• Develop a process for the adoption of HQIM or 

• Plan for the implementation of the previously adopted HQIM 

The planning sequence for Strong Foundations includes building a roadmap, developing a communications plan, engaging in collective learning, drafting and iterating upon the framework, implementing the framework, and planning for instructional materials. Approved Providers (APs) offer support throughout the grant process, aiding LEAs in developing and submitting deliverables. Milestone dates are set to ensure the successful completion of framework development and subsequent implementation steps for each LEA. 

The Strong Foundations Implementation Supports (SFI) program offers grants to local educational agencies (LEAs) to facilitate effective implementation of instructional materials and provide professional development for educators, coaches, and leaders. LEAs can choose from three support options and may apply for more than one: 

Option A: Designed for LEAs implementing approved instructional materials in K–5 Reading Language Arts (RLA) and/or K–5 Math during the 2024–25 school year, focusing on Year 1 of implementation. 

Option B: Intended for LEAs implementing approved instructional materials in K–5 RLA and/or K–5 Math through a Learning Accelerated Support Opportunities (LASO) grant during the 2023–24 school year. It provides additional support for Year 2 of implementation during the 2024–25 school year. 

Option C: Tailored for LEAs implementing approved instructional materials in 6–12 Math during the 2024–25 school year. In all SFI grant options, LEAs are required to allocate funds as follows: 50% for contracting with a provider from the LASO Cycle II state-approved vendor list, 20% for additional support from the contracted provider and/or salaries for instructional coaches or other supporting positions, and 30% for other allowable expenses such as print materials, digital licenses, teacher stipends, and instructional coaches. Detailed guidelines for fund usage are available in the SFI Program Guidelines document, and additional information on eligibility, resources, and timelines can be found on the LASO Cycle II page.