Developmental Education FAQs
Q. What is the Texas Success Initiative?
A. The Texas Success Initiative, or TSI, was established in 2003 by the Texas State Legislature to insure that students are prepared to be successful in their college level coursework. Each post-secondary institution must assess all students entering their institution to determine college readiness. All students must be assessed in the areas of reading, writing, and mathematics.
Q. How does SRSU determine college readiness?
A. Determination of a student’s TSI status is dependent upon whether a student is a first-time student (a freshman) or a transfer student. Assessments for first time students are done in one of two ways. If a first-time student's SAT, ACT, or TAKS scores are above the standard set by the state, then the student is exempt from further assessment may enroll in coursework approved by his/her advisor. If the student is not TSI exempt, then the student must take one of the state approved assessment examinations or present scores from one of the assessments. Transfer students should present evidence of success in college-level work for each of the three areas: reading, writing and mathematics. If a student has earned college-level credit (with a minimum grade of "C") in designated courses that relate to one of these areas, then no further assessment is required and the student is TSI clear. Otherwise, each transfer student must take one of the state approved assessment examinations or present scores from one of the assessments.
Q. What are the approved assessment examinations?
A. 2013 is a transition year. Until August 1, 2013, the state has designated four tests that students may take to prove their college readiness. These four assessment examinations are the THEA, COMPASS, ACCUPLACER, and ASSET. SRSU administers the COMPASS and the THEA. Please consult Career Services and Testing (432-837-8178) for times, dates, and costs. Students are encouraged to take the COMPASS for TSI and placement purposes.
After August 1, 2013, the new TSI Assessment goes into effect. Please come back to our website soon for more information.
Q. What are minimum passing scores on the state approved assessment examinations?
A. The chart below shares the scores needed in each discipline area in order to clear TSI.
Assessment Exam |
Mathematics |
Reading |
Writing: Essay |
Writing: Objective |
ACCUPLACER |
Elem. Algebra – 63 |
78 |
6 |
80 |
ASSET |
Elem. Algebra – 38 |
41 |
6 |
40 |
COMPASS |
Algebra – 39 |
81 |
6 |
59 |
THEA |
230 |
230 |
6 |
220 |
Q. I met or exceeded the minimum passing scores, now what?
A. You should seek advisement within the department of your major.
Q. What if I plan to become a teacher? Does that change any of my TSI requirements?
Q. Do I have to take a Developmental Education course every semester I am enrolled?