Completing Texas Success Initiative (TSI) requirements

By Doug Garrett

You have just finished your COMPASS or ASSET test at the assessment center and were told by your advisor or counselor that you are required to take developmental courses to satisfy your TSI requirements.

Just what is TSI and how are you going to satisfy your requirements?

The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) program is designed to assess your ability to successfully complete freshman-level academic courses such as English composition, history, college mathematics, or algebra. It requires an assessment of your skills in math, reading, and writing.

You can complete your TSI requirement in one of three ways:

1. Meeting the minimum standards on test instruments approved by the state
2. Satisfying the exemption/exception criteria established by the state
3. Successfully completing specific developmental coursework

How to get started

Your first step is to develop a relationship with your advisor or counselor. Together you will develop an individualized plan that outlines the courses you should take and the timeframe for completing them.

Your TSI requirements will also be explained at this time. You will also work together to choose the correct classes and develop a schedule that is designed to ensure your overall success.

Your advisor or counselor will provide assistance in areas such as tutoring and mentoring, as well as personal, academic, and/or career advising.

Attending your TSI-required class

Now that you are in class, it is important that you create a relationship with your instructor. The most important elements of successful completion of your course are class participation and attendance.

Create a dialogue with your instructor. Let him or her know that you are as interested in learning as they are in teaching. Discuss any issues that can affect your abilities to learn and continue your development in the class, as continued attendance is mandatory.

Also remember to contact your advisor or counselor for additional support. Take advantage of their experience and willingness to support you in your educational pursuits.

Remember that you are not allowed to withdraw from your required developmental course(s) as it may affect continued enrollment in your other college credit courses.

Continuous remediation

You must remain enrolled in your developmental classes until you either complete all required classes as outlined in your individualized plan or retest and meet the minimum required score on one of the state-approved tests. Your advisor, counselor or TSI coordinator can provide you with those scores.

Just remember that the developmental courses you are taking are designed to strengthen your academic skills in a particular subject area. Once you have mastered those skills, your transition to college-level coursework will be much easier.

The TSI program should be viewed as just another support system along with your counselor, advisor, and instructor: there to help you reach your academic goals.

Douglas Garrett holds the position as TSI coordinator at the Highland Business Center. He is a retired military officer and has been with ACC for over 9 years. Douglas' previous positions were veterans affairs specialist, advising specialist, and advising supervisor. Douglas holds bachelor’s degrees in social work and human resources management and is currently working on a master’s degree in family studies.