Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Assessment replaces the THEA; Priority Testing for Incoming Freshman
on the Horizon
From the Division of Academic Enhancement
FOR INTERNAL RELEASE
March 6, 2014
Background – The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board approved the new comprehensive diagnostic and placement testing
system to further the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) goal of preparing all Texas students to be college ready and to achieve college
success. Known as the TSI Assessment, this new assessment system has replaced the all previously approved placement exams,
including the THEA, ACCUPLACER, ASSET and COMPASS exams, and is a customized tool aligned to the Texas College and Career
Readiness Standards. As a comprehensive assessment system, the TSI Assessment is designed to help institutions of higher
education determine whether, and at what level, incoming students are prepared to enroll and succeed in entry-level college courses,
as well as offer developmental intervention options. Effective the first day of classes, fall 2013, all incoming Texas college students are
required to take the TSI Assessment (unless they are exempt; see below) to determine their readiness for college-level course work.
Exemptions
Students with a TSI Assessment exemption can enroll in any entry-level college course without restrictions. All exemptions can be
found online at www.pvamu.edu/testing under TSI Exemptions.
Cut Scores
Below are the cut scores approved by the Texas Coordinating Board. These standards are subject to revision based on review of data.
For freshmen entering higher education fall 2013 the college readiness scores are:
Math
Reading
Writing
350
351
363 Multiple Choice & 4 Essay OR 5 Essay
Student Notification
To ensure that all admitted incoming freshman complete testing to meet the TSI requirements, the university’s TSI Effectiveness
Committee sent out a mass mailing and email to over 1200 incoming freshman which notified them of their TSI status, highlighted TSI
requirements, and outlined priority testing deadline dates. Early completion of the TSI Assessment will not only ensure correct
placement of students in college courses during early and open registration, but it will also enable colleges and departments to
streamline the selection process for summer programs.
TSI Priority Deadline
The TSI Priority Deadline was established to make incoming freshmen aware of the TSI Assessment and give students in the greater
Houston area a chance to complete testing early. The committee strongly recommended students interested in Summer Programs
offered by PVAMU complete testing by May 1, 2014.Testing will take place on the Main Campus, the Nursing Campus and the NW
Campus.
Contact
To learn more about this exam, please contact:
Cheryle D. Snead-Greene, Ph.D.
Associate Director of University College
Division of Academic Enhancement
Wilhelmina Delco Building – Room 228
Office: (936) 261-3635
csgreene@pvamu.edu
Melissa C. De Witt
Test Coordinator
Wilhelmina Delco Building – Room 141
Office: (936) 261-3699
mcdewitt@pvamu.edu