For Educators


Assessment:
Texas Success Initiative (TSI)
The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) was mandated through action of the 78th Texas Legislature to replace the Texas Academic Skills Program (TASP). TSI is designed to measure competency in reading, writing, and mathematics and to provide developmental studies in areas of identified deficiencies. All students not eligible for an exemption or waiver must take an approved placement test prior to enrolling in any Texas public college or university. Enrollment without test scores may be limited to developmental studies. The cost of the test is $29.00.
    TSI Exemptions:
  • Student is exempt on the basis of SAT I scores (less than 5 years old) with a minimum qualifying scores of 1070 combined, with 500 verbal/critical reading and 500 math.
  • Student is exempt on the basis of the ACT (less than 5 years old) with a minimum qualifying score of 23 composite, with 19 English and 19 math.
  • Student is exempt on the basis of high school exit level TAKS (taken as a junior) with a minimum qualifying score of 2200 math and English Language Arts (ENLA) 2200 with writing subscore of 3.
    TSI Partial Exemptions:
  • Students who tested after April 1, 2004 and have a composite score of 1070 (or higher) can be exempt from TSI Math with a SAT Math score of 500 (or higher) even though the SAT Verbal/Critical Reading may be less than 500. Likewise, an SAT Verbal/Critical Reading score of 500 (or higher) can be exempt from TSI Reading and Writing, even though the SAT Math may be less than 500.
  • Students who tested after April 1, 2004 and have a composite score of 23 (or higher) can be exempt from TSI Math with an ACT Math score of 19 (or higher) even though the ACT Verbal may be less than 19. Likewise, an ACT Verbal score of 19 (or higher) will exempt a student from TSI Reading and TSI Writing, even though the ACT Math may be less than 19.
  • Students who tested after April 1, 2004 with a TAKS (exit level) math score of 2200 (or higher) can be exempt from TSI Math. Likewise, TAKS ENLA (exit level) score of 2200 with a writing sample of 3 exempts a student from TSI Reading and TSI Writing. The TAKS ENLA component is "all or nothing." In other words, a student with a TAKS ENLA score of 2200 with writing subscore of 2 is NOT exempt from either TSI Reading or TSI Writing.
  • For those portions of the TSI in which the student is not exempt, they will need to take the specific remaining sections for course placement.
    Variations of the TSI:
  • THEA - The THEA Test has been approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board for use by Texas institutions of higher education as an assessment instrument for entering students. The THEA Test provides the diagnostic data required by this legislation. The THEA is a written version of the test and scores can take up to six weeks.
  • ACT Compass – Administrated at Collin, computer version, provides score report upon completion of test
  • ACCUPLACER – computer version
  • ASSET – computer version
ABOUT THE THEA
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Since 1989, the Texas Higher Education Assessment (THEA®) has provided Texas students and institutions of higher education with a flexible, fair, and accurate testing and score-reporting system. Its purpose is to assess the reading, mathematics, and writing skills that entering freshman-level students should have if they are to perform effectively in undergraduate certificate or degree programs in Texas public colleges or universities.

The THEA Test was approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, under Senate Bill 286, Texas Education Code, Section 51.3062: Texas Success Initiative, for use by Texas institutions of higher education as an assessment instrument to evaluate incoming students. It provides the diagnostic data required by this legislation; its content is the same as that of the former TASP Test.

The THEA Test is the only assessment developed specifically to evaluate the readiness of students for college-level coursework in Texas. It was developed through a rigorous review and approval process supported by skilled and experienced Texas educators. All THEA Test questions have been reviewed by committees of Texas educators to ensure content accuracy and to prevent potential bias.

    The THEA Test is offered in a variety of testing formats:
  • THEA paper-and-pencil test - is offered five times a year at sites across Texas. This registration bulletin provides complete information on how to register to test, prepare for the test, and obtain your score report.
  • THEA Computer-Administered Test (THEA CAT) - is typically offered at least once a week at 17 locations across Texas. Examinees wishing to test before the next scheduled test administration may register to take the THEA Test on computer. When you are finished testing, you will receive an unofficial score report for the Reading and Mathematics Sections of the test. An official score report for all sections, including the Writing Section, will be mailed to you approximately one week after your writing sample is received and scored by National Evaluation Systems, Inc. (NES®). Once you have taken the THEA CAT, you must wait 30 days before retaking the THEA Test on computer. The THEA Computer-Administered Test Registration Bulletin Supplement provides complete registration information. You can find this bulletin supplement by selecting "Computer-Administered Test" on the THEA Web site at www.thea.nesinc.com.
  • THEA Quick Test - is the same as the THEA paper-and-pencil test and is offered by many colleges and universities on a schedule determined by the institution. Consult with your advisor to determine if the THEA Quick Test is an option for you. Contact NES to determine if the THEA Quick Test is offered at the institution of your choice. An official score report for all sections will be mailed to you approximately one week after your answer document is received and scored by NES. Once you have taken the THEA Quick Test, you must wait 30 days before retaking it.
Test Description
The THEA Test consists of three sections: Reading, Mathematics, and Writing. Each section of the THEA Test is designed to measure a student’s academic skill against an established standard of competence. A student’s score on each section of the test is based on his or her performance in relation to the skills being tested. Scores are not related to how well other students have performed on the same section.

For all three testing methods, the THEA Test consists of:

Section
Description
Reading
 Composed of approximately 40 multiple-choice questions matched to about seven reading selections of 300 to 750 words each.
The reading selections represent a variety of subject areas and are similar to reading materials (e.g., textbooks, manuals) that students are likely to encounter during their first year of college. Students will be asked to answer several multiple-choice questions about each reading selection.
Mathematics
 Composed of approximately 50 multiple-choice questions covering four general areas: fundamental mathematics, algebra, geometry, and problem solving.
The test questions focus on a student’s ability to perform mathematical operations and solve problems. Appropriate formulas will be provided to help students perform some of the calculations required by the test questions. Note that you may use a four-function (+, –, ×, ÷), nonprogrammable calculator [with square root (ÿ ) and percent (%) keys].

Writing
 Contains two subsections: a writing sample subsection requiring students to demonstrate their ability to communicate effectively in writing on a given topic, and a multiple-choice subsection including approximately 40 questions assessing students’ ability to recognize various elements of effective writing.
Students are asked to prepare a multiple-paragraph writing sample of about 300–600 words on an assigned topic. Students’ writing samples are scored on the basis of how effectively they communicate a whole message to a specified audience for a stated purpose. Students will be assessed on their ability to express, organize, and support opinions and ideas, rather than on the position they express.
SAT
For complete information, visit http://www.collegeboard.com/

SAT Reasoning Test
The class of 2006 will be the first class to take the new SAT for college admissions.
The SAT Reasoning Test is a measure of the critical thinking skills you will need for academic success in college. The SAT assesses how well you analyze and solve problems—skills you learned in school that you will need in college.
Each section of the SAT is scored on a scale of 200-800, and the writing section will contain two subscores. The SAT is typically taken by high school juniors and seniors. It is administered seven times a year in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and U.S. Territories, and six times a year overseas.
Each edition of the SAT includes a Critical Reading (two 25-minute sections and one 20 minute section), Math (two 25-minute sections and one 20-minute section), and Writing section (25-minute essay, one 25-minute multiple choice section and one 10-minute multiple choice section).

In addition, there is one 25-minute unscored section, known as the variable or equating section. This unscored section may be either a critical reading, math, or multiple-choice writing section. This unscored section does not count toward the final score, but is used to try out new questions for future editions of the SAT and to ensure that scores on new editions of the SAT are comparable to scores on earlier editions of the test.

The 25-minute essay will always be the first section of the SAT, and the 10-minute multiple-choice writing section will always be the final section. The remaining six 25-minute sections can appear in any order, as can the two 20-minute sections. Test takers sitting next to each other in the same testing session may have test books with entirely different sections.

Contact Information
For Email Phone
General Information sat@info.collegeboard.org (609) 771-7600
Services for Students with Disabilities (609) 771-7137
TTY (for students who are deaf or hard of hearing) (609) 882-4118

SAT Subject Tests
Subject Tests (formerly SAT II: Subject Tests) are designed to measure students' knowledge and skills in particular subject areas, as well as their ability to apply that knowledge.
Students take the Subject Tests to demonstrate to colleges their mastery of specific subjects like English, History, Mathematics, Science, and languages. The tests are independent of any particular textbook or method of instruction. The tests' content evolves to reflect current trends in high school curricula, but the types of questions change little from year to year.
Many colleges use the Subject Tests for admission, course placement, and to advise students about course selection. Used in combination with other background information (your high school record, scores from other tests like the SAT Reasoning Test, teacher recommendations, etc.), they provide a dependable measure of your academic achievement and are a good predictor of future performance. Some colleges specify the Subject Tests they require for admission or placement; others allow applicants to choose which tests to take.