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• Core Curriculum (PDF)
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• Help with Math Anxiety Presentation
• Probation Advising
• FAQ's
• Self-Advising Q&A
• Suspension Advising
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• Transfer Center
• Transfer Resources
• Resources for Transfer Students
• Transfer Services / Articulation and University Relations
• TSI Assessment
• Advisor of the Year Nomination Form (PDF) (for advisors only)

Texas Success Initiative (TSI)

Below is FAQs related to TSI. This is provided to help the student in the advising/registration process. Contact an advisor or visit the DCCCD college catalog for more detailed information about the TSI requirements.

WHO MUST ASSESS

All students prior to enrolling in college-level course work must assess with a state-approved assessment. Richland College offers the Accuplacer (a computerized version of a state approved assessment) and the Quick THEA (a pencil/paper version of a state approved assessment).

EXEMPTIONS FOR WHICH ASSESSMENT IS NOT REQUIRED

A student will not need to assess for TSI if at least one of the following conditions is true. Proof of these scores must be provided on an official document such as high school transcript or official score sheet from the testing organization when making application.

• SAT: A student has an SAT composite score of 1070, with a minimum of 500 on the math and critical reading portions of the test. Test score must be less than 5 years old and achieved in one sitting. Partial exemption is allowed if the Composite score is 1070 and the minimum score of 500 is met in one of the individual areas. Student would need to test in the area not exempt.
• ACT: A student has an ACT composite score of 23 with a minimum of 19 in both the math and English portions of the test. Scores must be less than 5 years old and achieved in one sitting. Partial exemption is allowed if the Composite score is 23 and the minimum score of 19 is met in one of the individual areas. Student would need to test in the area not exempt.
• TAKS: A student has an 11th grade TAKS score with a minimum of English Language Arts 2200 and a writing sample of a 3. Both minimum scores are required to meet placement for reading and writing. TAKS math score of 2200 will exempt student from TSI requirements in math. However, student will need to test for placement in math regardless of TAKS scores. Scores must be less than 3 years old.

TSI EXEMPTIONS FOR WHICH PLACEMENT TESTING MAY BE REQUIRED

Proof of these exemptions must be provided on an official document or transcript.

• Associate or Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited university or college.
• Military exemption (certain restrictions apply).
• Students transferring from out-of-state or private institutions with transferable core courses with an appropriate DCCCD prerequisite requirement. (Transcript must be reviewed by the TSI Office to determine if placement testing is required.)

TSI TEMPORARY WAIVERS

Students enrolling in courses requiring prerequisites must test or show proof of prerequisites in order to enroll. The waiver status must be declared at the beginning of the semester.

• A student is enrolled in and following course work for a certificate program with fewer than 42 semester credit hours (A student seeking Financial Aid has to declare a program of study and will not qualify for a certificate waiver for TSI.)
• A student is declared as non-degree seeking. (A student seeking Financial Aid has to declare a program of study and will not qualify for a non-degree seeking waiver for TSI.)

PREREQUISITE REQUIREMENTS MUST BE MET BY ALL STUDENTS

See DCCCD catalog for a list of course description, placement, and prerequisites. Regardless of the student’s TSI status, course placement and prerequisites have to be met. In order to have placement and prerequisite cleared in the student’s academic record, it is important that all official academic transcripts be sent to Richland College.

ASSESSMENTS OFFERED AT RICHLAND COLLEGE

The state has approved several tests that can be used to satisfy the TSI assessment requirement for basic skills in reading, writing and mathematics. The tests given at Richland College are the Accuplacer and the Quick THEA. The Accuplacer is administered by computer. The THEA and the Quick THEA are in booklet form. A student may test once a semester term. A referral form from an advisor or the TSI Office is required for admission to the Test Center.

The Accuplacer allows the student one hour for writing and editing the essay. The Sentence Skills, Reading and Math tests are not timed. Scores are available immediately after testing. A referral is required but no appointment is necessary. A photo ID is required as well as the Test Referral. The Accuplacer is offered during the week with added testing times when needed. Contact the Test Center (M105) phone 972 238 6160, advising T180 or the TSI Office T170T phone 972 238 6115 or 972 238 3787 for complete information.

Quick THEA is the same as the standard THEA. The Quick THEA is offered at the Richland College Campus during the week at times determined by the Test Center at a cost of $29. A referral is required, but no pre-registration is necessary. Scores are available within a week of testing. Bring a photo ID and arrive one hour before the scheduled test time. Seating is limited. For a current Quick THEA test schedule, contact the Test Center (M105) phone (972 238 6160).

The standard THEA is offered five times a year on Saturday mornings. Richland College is a test site for the standard THEA. Pre-registration is required for the Saturday test administration. Registration Bulletins are available from the TSI Office, Admissions and the Test Center. It is possible to register for the THEA Test online at www.thea.nesinc.com . The cost of the THEA Test is $29. To avoid having to pay late fees, registration must be complete one month before the date of the test.

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR THE ASSESSMENT?

Students are encouraged to take time to prepare for the assessment. Talk to the advisor in T180 about test preparation when you get the referral form. The following websites may be used for information and review:

• ACCUPLACER Math Review Sheets
• Assessment Practice Tests
• ACCUPLACER Test Online Course
• Placement Testing
• THEA Practice Test
• ACCUPLACER Introduction

Other math review sites:

• Vitrual Math Lab
• Purple Math
• Free Math Help
• BBC Bitesize: Math

WHAT WILL I DO AFTER THE ASSESSMENT?

After the assessment students may see an Advisor for advice and registration. If the student meets the criteria for registering online, the student is encouraged to get the necessary advice and then go to eConnect to register for classes.

Students who do not meet assessment standards for college level placement may complete prerequisite requirements by taking developmental courses in the deficient area/s and completing these courses with a grade of C or higher.

WHAT IS MY RESPONSIBILITY?

For more information about TSI visit the DCCCD College Catalog. It is up to each student to be aware and informed about requirements that are subject to change. Be sure to have the latest information. If you are not sure, please contact the Advising Center in T180, The TSI Office T170T, T170S phone 972-238-6115 or 972-238-3787.