TSI
TSI Assessment and expectations
What is the TSI? (See the linked Slides presentation.)
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!
AM I TSI Exempt/Complete?
There are several paths to meeting the TSI requirement.
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.
SAT
Evidence-Based Reading & Writing (EBRW) // 480+
Math // 530+
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 (effective January 2021)
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
Below scores can be used as TEMPORARY documentation of college readiness for students pursuing Dual Credit coursework. These scores do not apply to graduating seniors.
PSAT
Evidence-Based Reading & Writing (EBRW) // 460+
Math // 510+
STAAR
English II: 4000+ // Algebra I: 4000+ with a 70+ in completed Algebra 2 course
Taking the TSIA (Texas Success Initiative Assessment)
WHAT CAN I DO IF I AM NOT TSI COMPLETE (or temporarily exempt for Dual crEdit purposes)?
1) Take (or re-take) the SAT or ACT
Let Mrs. Hexter know if you have updated SAT or ACT scores that will qualify you as TSI complete. Then, be sure to send these scores to the college you plan to attend.
Were you kicked into the diagnostic 48 questions? Here's a chart that explains how colleges use that diagnostic score (and why you should take it seriously).
2) Take the TSIA
This is a test offered at LISD high school campuses once a month for seniors and year round M-Sat through ACC (go to step #5 to request a testing time) (for a fee). You will only need to test in the area(s) in which you are not TSI satisfied. (If you test through ACC, please provide Mrs. Hexter with a score report so she can update your scores with LISD.)
*SENIORS: To test on an LISD campus (*At this time, Mrs. Hexter is only testing TSI incomplete seniors):
Complete the Pre-Assessment Activity
Once you have received the emailed Certificate of Completion for the TSI PAA, upload a screenshot of your email/confirmation and register for the TSI Assessment (TSIA2) here. (Sample of email confirmation)
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?
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.
Complete the ACC TSI Pre Assessment Activity online and bring printed completion certificate to test day.
Pay the testing fee for relevant subject areas: Purchase TSI ticket .
Schedule your test: Please see the Assessment Schedule for walk-in testing dates/times. Seating is not guaranteed.
Test Day: Arrive 15 minutes prior to test start time and BRING: official photo ID, Pre-Assessment Activity completion certificate, testing fee receipt.
HOW DO I Get my accuplacer TsiA2 Scores?
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.
Forward to Ms. Hexter or download a PDF for your college applications, records, etc.
TSI Assessment Preparation (Tutorial Videos)
TSIA2 - Test Prep Resources from Accuplacer/College Board
More TSIA2 Test Prep Resources
ACC provides some valuable tools for TSI assessment preparation. These resources are also helpful if you're retaking portions of the TSI Assessment.
TSI ASSESSMENT FAQ'S
Still have questions or want to know more? Click here.