Why Placement Testing?

 

Texas Success Initiative Assessment (TSIA)

Unless determined exempt by previous test scores, all students in the state of Texas are required to complete placement tests in the areas of reading, writing, and math before enrolling in classes.  Beginning Fall 2013, all placement tests will be replaced by the Texas Success Initiative Assessment (TSIA).  Scores must be received at SRSU before the first day of the semester. Contact the Registrar at 432-837-8713 to verify that your scores have been received.

 

Mandatory Pre-Assessment Activity (PAA)

 

Below, you will find the following information:

  1. An explanation of the importance of the TSI Assessment (TSIA)
  2. Tests considered for exemption status
  3. Practice test questions
  4. Developmental education options if you don't meet the minimum passing standard
  5. Institutional and community resources that can help you succeed as a college student
  6. Pre-Assessment Activity (PAA) Completion Link (required before TSIA testing can occur)

 

1. An explanation of the importance of the TSIA:

Placement exams should be taken seriously. The test determines the student's preparedness for college-level courses in related subject areas. If the student scores below the requirements, he/she will be placed in appropriate developmental courses in order to prepare him/her for college-level work. These results dictate the required coursework to be added to your degree plan, thus affecting the length of time to degree completion. We recommend that all students take appropriate steps to be prepared for test day, such as getting adequate sleep the night before and eating a good breakfast so that hunger does not become a distraction. 

2. Tests considered for exemption status:

  • ACT:  Composite score of 23 or higher with at least a 19 on the English test and/or Math sections (for a period of 5 years from date of testing).
  • SAT:  Test date prior to March 2016:  Combined Verbal and Math score of 1070 with a minimum of 500 on the Verbal test and/or Math test.
  • SAT:  Test date on or after March 5, 2016:  Minimum score of 480 on the Reading and Writing test; Minimum score of 530 on the Mathematics test.  There is no combined score.  
  • SAT:  Scores are useable for a period of 5 years from date of testing.  Mixing scores from prior and post March 2016 is not allowed.  
  • TAKS:  Minimum score of 2200 on both the English and/or Math sections with at least a 3 on the writing component of the 11th grade TAKS (for a period of 3 years from the date of testing).
  • STAAR:  Algebra II-Minimum score of 4000 for exemption in Math; English III-Minimum score of 4000 for an exemption in integrated Reading and Writing (for a period of 5 years from date of testing).
  • Transfer coursework:  Successfully completed college-level coursework as determined by SRSU.
  • Military service:  Veterans and active duty personnel serving for at least 3 years preceding enrollment.

3. Practice test questions and feedback:

4. Developmental education options if you don't meet the minimum passing standard:

  • Re-Test: Students may choose to re-test and submit new scores.
  • Non Course-Based Instruction (NCBI): This two-day review, ending with the common course final, allows you to re-test in one subject area for free. NCBIs are offered a few days before the beginning of each long semester. Contact the Lobo Den (432) 837-8982 for more details and to sign up.  
  • Paired Courses: SRSU offers paired courses that allow a student to take his/her required developmental course and a college-level version at the same time. The developmental course works as a supplement for the college level course, allowing the student to potentially complete both in one semester. Paired courses may or may not be required dependent upon the student's test scores.  

Developmental Coursework offered at Sul Ross:

  • ED 0200  Base Reading
  • ED 0300  Reading Skills
  • ENG 0200 Base Writing
  • ENG 0300  Writing Skills
  • ENG 0310  Integrated Reading and Writing Skills
  • MATH 0200 Base Math
  • MATH 0300  Introductory Algebra
  • MATH 0301  Intermediate Algebra

5. Institutional & Community Resources that can help you succeed as a college student:

​​These free, hour-long seminars, offered during long semesters, provide opportunities to learn a variety of study skills needed to succeed in higher education. 
Ferguson Hall 213
Phone: (432) 837-8408 
805 W. Avenue E, Alpine, TX 79830
(432) 837-2621 
at Sul Ross State University
(432) 837-8123 
​Morgan University Center 108 
Phone: (432) 837-8191 
​Morgan University Center 
Phone: (432) 837-8194 
​Morgan University Center 211C 
Phone: (432) 837-8178 
Fax: (432) 837-8724  
​805 East Lockhart 
Alpine, Texas 79830 
Phone: (432) 837-0900 
​Ferguson Hall 112 
Phone: (432) 837-8203 
Fax: (432) 837-8363  
Lawrence Hall 100 
Phone: (432) 837-8050 
Fax: (432) 837-841 
Lawrence Hall 102
Phone: (432) 837-8982
Fax: (432) 837-8930
Lawrence Hall 100 
Phone: (432) 837-8050
Fax: (432) 837-8411
​Graves-Pierce Gymnasium 
Phone: (432) 837-8792 
​Morgan University Center 201 
Phone: (432) 837-8198 
SGA President-Kaitlyn Wood: kwood@sulross.edu
Morgan University Center 211 
Phone: (432) 837-8102 
​Briscoe Administration Building 108 
Phone: (432) 837-8061 
Ferguson Hall 105 
Phone: (432) 837-8118 
Fax: (432) 837-8363 
​Briscoe Administrative Building 100 
Emergencies:  (432) 837-8100 
Office: (432) 837–8011
 

6. Pre-Assessment Activity (PAA) Completion Link:

  • Students are required to read the above information. 
  • It is imperative that the student do this (not the parent).
  • This submission is required before you will be allowed to take the TSIA. 
  • Click here to notify SRSU that you've read the above information (PAA).