FAQ's
What are type of degree will ECHS students graduate with?
Associate Degree:
Graduate with up to 60+ college credit hours and an associate of arts degree that may be transferable to any public university in the State of Texas.
Why is the early college model successful?
Early colleges make college success a reality for students that have traditionally been underrepresented in post-secondary. By working in close partnership, school districts and institutions of higher education are able to serve students in a more personalized and efficient manner that leads to higher levels of student success. The partnership between Throckmorton Collegiate ISD and Cisco College is designed to create:
- A shared vision and common expectations for students and parents
- Focus on rigorous instruction and accelerated coursework
- A college-going culture that provides high school students with access to college facilities and services
- Student support systems which include tutoring, counseling and mentoring
- Collaborative teaching and professional development
- Increased high school graduation and retention for students at risk of not graduating
- Reduced barriers to college access for first generation college-goers
- Increased attainment of postsecondary education and training
Who is the District's institute of higher education (IHE) partner?
Throckmorton Early College ISD is made possible through a partnership between Throckmorton Collegiate ISD and Cisco College.
Will every Throckmorton Early College High School student receive college credit?
Throckmorton Early College ISD provides opportunities for all participating students to successfully attain college credentials. The Early College High School is designed to support student interest in college and careers and to individualize learning.
Will every Throckmorton ECHS student receive a college degree?
Every student at Throckmorton Early College High School will have the opportunity to earn up to 60 college credit hours and an Associate of Arts Degree from Cisco College.
How are students selected for the ECHS?
During the Fall Semester of 2018 all students will sign an agreement between Throckmorton ECHS and themselves, along with their parents. There are no criteria for placement into the Early College Academy – just the student’s willingness to commit to demands of this pathway. Please contact our counselor, Mrs. Anthony, for details.
Do I have to be a “straight A” student?
No, you just have to be dedicated and committed to earning your Associate of Arts Degree or core college credit while you earn your high school diploma.
Can I participate in athletics or band?
Due to the rigor of the courses and time commitment needed to successfully in the Associate Degree Pathway, students are advised prior to participating in extracurricular activities like band, theater, and athletics in order to determine how such activities will fit within their academic schedule. Additionally, we have many clubs and student organizations such as The FFA Organization, National Honor Society, and Yearbook that are available to all ECHS students.
Do ECHS students take classes with College Students?
No, students will take classes either online or be served by a Throckmorton or College faculty member on campus to receive dual credit.
What happens if I am not prepared for college classes?
That is what the ECHS teachers and support teams are here for….support! They teach you during your mentor time how to organize, study, plan, take notes & manage your time. They talk to you about your future career and educational options and opportunities.
What supplies do I need for Early College High School?
All you need are the same basic school supplies as are needed for a traditional high school.
Will students go on field trips to the college?
Yes, field trips will be scheduled to the Cisco College campus during the school year as well as local college fairs and other universities such as The University of Texas at Austin.
Do I have to pay for my college classes?
No, and that is the best thing, Throckmorton Collegiate ISD will pay for all tuition, books, and fees while the student is enrolled at TECHS (Throckmorton Early College High School).
Will my college credits transfer to a 2 or 4-year college or university?
All credits earned during your four years at TECHS may be transferred to any public college or university in Texas and could be transferred to out of state public and private schools depending on their transfer of college credit policies.
Are students allowed to change endorsements in high school?
Yes, students will be allowed to change their endorsement at any time.
Do students have the option to double up in courses and graduate early?
Yes, students may take additional courses outside of the ECHS as an early admit student if accepted by Cisco College. Any course tuition and/or fees for courses taken outside of the ECHS program will be the responsibility of the student and his or her family.
If students get behind, can they accelerate and get caught up?
Yes, we will offer a number of student support services to assist students who are struggling academically.
Is the ECHS program like financial aid?
Yes, students will complete the FAFSA application to see if they qualify for financial aid. If students qualify, FAFSA will be applied to student's tuition bill.
Will students be able to apply for scholarships?
Yes, students will be able to apply for scholarships to assist with the cost of continuing their education after high school graduation.
Is it possible for students to earn more than 60 hours of college credit while in high school?
This is not possible if the student follows the four year Associate's Degree program as designed by the ECHS. However, if the student is accepted to Cisco College or other college/university as an early admit student, they may possibly be able to earn additional credit by taking college classes in the evening or during the summer. Any cost for a college course taken outside of the early college high school will be the responsibility of the student.
What is the highest degree that can be obtained during the four years that the student is enrolled in the early college high school?
An Associate of Arts Degree is the highest degree a student can earn from Cisco College.
Will students be allowed to decline attendance to the early college?
Yes, if needed, a student may decline their participation in the Throckmorton Early College High School. Students will be on the Texas graduation plan with opportunities to still earn industry certifications.
Are the dual credit courses aligned to the district’s curriculum?
Yes, all dual credit courses will be aligned to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills standards.
Will the ECHS schedule be aligned to the regular high school day and district calendar?
Dual credit courses taught at the Early College High School will be in line with the district’s academic calendar and bell schedule.
Can students be dropped from a college course?
Yes, in order to avoid penalties, students who are academically deficient in a dual credit course may be dropped. These students may need to be removed from the early college. Students are not allowed to drop classes on their own. Student drops must be facilitated by the counselor or early college director.
Will students take midterm and final exams for both the college and the ECHS course?
Students will take midterm exams and finals but the test will count for both the ECHS and the college. Students enrolled in dual credit courses may possibly take separate exams for each school.
How many dual credit courses will students take per semester and year?
Throckmorton Early College High School students will only take one to two dual credit courses per semester during their first two years. Juniors and seniors will take from three to four dual credit courses each semester.
Will progress reports and report cards be provided for the college courses?
Yes, the students will be given their grades and their performance in the dual credit courses at regular intervals during the semester.
Will students have opportunities for tutoring?
Yes, peer tutoring is available along with help from college professors during their office hours.
What facilities are at Cisco College will be available to the ECHS students?
All students in the early college high school have access the same facilities and recourses as do regular Cisco College students.
What Is the TSI Assessment?
The TSI Assessment is a program designed to help your institution determine if you are ready for college-level course work in the general areas of reading, writing and mathematics. This program also will help determine what type of course or intervention will best meet your needs to help you become better prepared for college-level course work if you are not ready.
What is a passing score on the TSI?
You Cannot Pass or Fail the TSI Assessment. Based on how you perform, you may either be:
Enrolled in a college-level course that matches your skill level.
Placed in the appropriate developmental course or intervention to improve your skills and prepare you for success in college-level courses.
Who needs to prepare for the TSI Assessment?
Eighth grade students who have applied for the Throckmorton ECHS will take the TSI Assessment in the spring of their eighth grade year. All other students will be administered the test prior to the end of their freshman year.
How much does it cost to take the TSI Assessment?
The TSI Assessment will be administered at no cost to the students or their families.
How long does the TSI Assessment take?
The TSI Assessment is not a timed test. The average time to complete all three sections of the test is 5 - 8 hours. We recommend that you do not take all three sections at the same time.
Will the TSI Assessments interfere with the STARR Exam?
No, the TSI Assessment will be scheduled in the spring after the STAAR is administered. A second TSI Assessment will be given during the summer and third will be offered prior to the end of the first semester.
Can I use a calculator or reference sheets on the assessment?
No, calculators are not allowed to be used on the TSI Assessment. A calculator will appear on screen during sections where usage is appropriate. No study materials or reference materials may be used during the test. Also, cellular phones and all other communication devices are strictly prohibited in the testing room.
When will I get my TSI Assessment scores?
The TSI Assessment is scored immediately upon completion. Students will be given an unofficial copy of scores for advisement purposes.
How do I interpret my TSI Assessment scores?
Following your test, you may visit Mrs. Anthony, our counselor, to interpret your scores.
If I need a better score, can I take the TSI assessment again?
Yes, you will have several opportunities to retest as needed. Please see Mrs. Anthony for the current testing schedule. Also ask to sign up for Mrs. Anthony's Remind alerts.
How can I study for the TSI Assessment?
Yes, several study guide options are available on the Preparing for the TSI Assessment page. Please visit Mrs. Anthony for additional information on preparing for the TSI Assessment.