Embedded Files
What is TSI?
What is TSI?
TSI stands for Texas Success Initiative and is the standard by which Texas public post-secondary institutions evaluate a student's college readiness in reading, writing, and math. In a nutshell, if a student is not what we deem as TSI complete, the college will assume a student is not ready to take on college-level coursework. In turn, the college will require the student to take developmental coursework to build knowledge and skills. This required developmental coursework costs money and prevents students from jumping right into courses that will apply toward the completion of a college degree. If we can avoid this coursework by proving students are TSI complete, we most certainly want to!
CPHS offers several testing opportunities throughout the school year through English and math classes as well as open testing on the first friday of each month. We highly encourage students to take advantage of these on-campus (and free) testing opportunites.
How do I meet TSI?
How do I meet TSI?
There are several paths to meeting the TSI requirement. See the chart to the right, or expand the respective college readiness tests below.
Note: Students can be partially satisfied in one content area (ex: math, but not reading/writing) and can combine qualifying scores across tests listed here.
Check below for passing requirements for each test: SAT, ACT, or TSI Assessment. Students can use section scores from two different tests to meet TSI (ex: meet English score with SAT and math score with TSI Assessment).
SAT
SAT
Evidence-Based Reading & Writing (EBRW) // 480+
Math // 530+
ACT
ACT
If ACT was taken prior to February 15, 2023:
FIRST: Composite of 23+ THEN: English 19+ // Math 19+
If ACT is taken on or after February 15, 2023:
English + Reading sections combined score of 40+ = Reading/Writing college readiness
Math score of 22+ = Math college readiness
TSIA2
TSIA2
English Language Arts & Reading (ELAR):
College Readiness Classification (CRC) > = 945 and Essay >= 5, or
CRC < 945 and Diagnostic Level >= 5 and Essay >=5
Mathematics:
CRC > 950
CRC < 950 and Diagnostic Level = 6
Access your TSIA2 Score Report
Access your TSIA2 Score Report
Go to Accuplacer.org. Navigate to “Student Information” (lower left, in purple bar).
“Your Accuplacer or TSIA2 Score Report.”
Log in with your student ID #, personal information, etc. (may need to select Leander ISD as the institution).
Note: If you took the TSIA at ACC, choose Austin Community College as your institution.An email will be sent to you.
Download and save as a PDF for your dual credit Enrollment/Tuition Waiver Google Form, your college applications, records, etc.
TSI ASSESSMENT FAQ'S
TSI ASSESSMENT FAQ'S
What is the benefit of taking the TSIA
What is the benefit of taking the TSIA
Taking the TSI can save you money. By scoring high enough on this test, you may be able to bypass developmental courses when you start college.
Taking the TSI can save you time. By being able to bypass developmental courses, you can go right into courses that apply to your degree.
For prospective Dual Credit students, the TSI will allow you to take college-level courses.
Is TSI required (for high school graduation)
Is TSI required (for high school graduation)
No, students to do not need to take the TSI in order to graduate from high school.
Is TSI required (for college admissions)
Is TSI required (for college admissions)
Students do not need to meet TSI in order to be admitted to college. If students do not meet TSI through the SAT or ACT, they will need the TSI Assessment for placement purposes. If the college readiness scores are met, students will be able to begin their college level coursework in math and/or English. If TSI scores fall below college readiness benchmarks, students will be placed in the appropriate developmental math or English classes.
Exception: students applying to ACC who did not meet TSI with SAT or ACT will need TSI assessment scores in order to complete the application.
What happens if I do not meet the college readiness score on the TSIA2
What happens if I do not meet the college readiness score on the TSIA2
That is okay! The goal is for your scores to accurately reflect your skills so you can take the appropriate next step. Your school will advise you in the appropriate level developmental math and/or English class. Developmental course placements depend on your TSI scores and vary by institution.
Example: ACC math placement chart
Do I need tsi for out-of-state schools or military
Do I need tsi for out-of-state schools or military
TSI applies to in-state schools only. However, if there is a chance you will come back to Texas for college (maybe ACC over the summer), we recommend testing.
Military branches do not require TSI; they do, however, require the ASVAB.
Does the TSIA2 cost money
Does the TSIA2 cost money
Testing at CPHS is free of charge. Testing at ACC requires a fee unless you've already applied and have activated your ACC eID #.
How Do I Test at CP? (Seniors Only)
How Do I Test at CP? (Seniors Only)
Prior to testing:
All students must complete the Pre-Assessment Activity (PAA) one time.
Go to practice. accuplacer.org --> sign up for an account
Follow the instructions outlined here.
Upload your screenshot and register here. (This step is ONLY for seniors taking the TSIA at CPHS on First Fridays. This is not for students taking their TSIA through their CPHS math and/or English classes.)
What to expect on test day:
What to expect on test day:
Testing will take place in rm. 2209 (Location TBD based on ongoing construction.)
Students will receive a reminder email the day prior to testing
The TSI Assessment is an untimed computer-based test; If you run out of time you have the ability to save & finish later.
Note regarding embedded accommodations: The TSIA 2.0 is self-paced and untimed. There also is a “save and finish” option that allows you to pause for breaks or pause the testing session altogether to complete on another day. If you choose this option, you must log back in and complete the Math and ELR sections within 14 days of pausing. You must complete the essay portion of the assessment in one sitting; pausing to complete on another day is not allowed. There is also a virtual calculator built into the TSIA 2.0 platform for designated questions.
How do I test at ACC?
How do I test at ACC?
Students can take the TSIA at ACC 5 days a week at the Cypress Creek campus or 6 days a week at the Highland or Round Rock campuses. Please see the Assessment Schedule below for those times. If you choose to take the test during a school day, please send a PDF of your score report to chriss.hexter@leanderisd.org and CC @cphsattendance@leanderisd.org
Before you go...
Know your TSI status. Which areas do you need to test (Reading/Writing/Math). Ask your counselor or Ms. Hexter if you are not sure.
Apply to Austin Community College. (Students with an established ACCeID can take the TSIA for free.)
Purchase TSI ticket for relevant subject areas. (If you are not an ACC student with an established ACCeID, you will have to pay $29.)
Complete the ACC TSI Pre Assessment Activity online and bring printed completion certificate to test day.
Plan a time to test: Please see the Assessment Schedule for walk-in testing dates/times. Seating is not guaranteed.
On test day...
Test Day. Allow yourself plenty of time.
BRING: official photo ID, Pre-Assessment Activity completion certificate, testing fee receipt.
After you test....
If you tested on a school day, please send a PDF of your score report to chriss.hexter@leanderisd.org and CC @cphsattendance@leanderisd.org
Follow through with the application/enrollment process (for dual credit students only).
How long does the Tsia2 take
How long does the Tsia2 take
The TSI Assessment is an untimed test (you have as long as you need).
The average time to complete all three sections of the test is 3-5 hours.
What do I need to bring to the test
What do I need to bring to the test
Photo ID (school ID or driver's license)
Materials will be provided (scratch paper, pencils, calculators are embedded in the test program); you may not bring your own calculator.
Cell phones and devices that can access the internet are strictly prohibited. They must be turned off and stowed.
Drinks and snacks are allowed, which students may access during breaks.
Report abuse