Texas Success Initiative
The Texas Success Initiative requires all students enrolling at Texas public institutions to demonstrate college readiness in reading, writing, and math prior to enrolling in college-level coursework. Students can demonstrate college readiness by taking the TSI-Assessment and meeting established college readiness standards or by qualifying for a State approved exemption/waiver. Students who do not demonstrate college readiness must meet with an Academic Advisor to develop a plan leading to college readiness, which may include developmental course placement.
To be considered “College Ready” students must score the following on the TSI-A:
Math: 350 or higher
Reading: 351 or higher
Writing:
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Multiple choice score 340 or higher AND essay score of 4 or higher or;
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Multiple choice score less than 340 AND ABE Writing score of 4 or higher AND essay score of 5 or higher.
TSI Assessment Guidelines Due to COVID-19
Laredo College Texas Success Initiative Assessment (TSI) placement guidelines may vary depending on directives given by Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB). In response and under the guidance of the THECB (please note, directives may be subject to change), Laredo College has modified its course placement criteria to temporarily allow students access to enroll in college courses without TSI information. Depending on what criteria is met, students may be placed in either college-level or developmental courses. Students should consult an advisor at the Student Success Center for assistance. Advisors are trained to assess and determine appropriate course placement based on program and major requirements. It is important to note that eligibility to enroll in college-level courses does not denote college-readiness, and in certain cases, students will be required to take the TSI-Assessment prior to end of term for which they enroll. Modified placement criteria effective Summer & Fall 2020 and is subject to change Spring & Summer 2021 at the discretion of Instructional Leadership. The current Modified Placement Guide is available on the Student Success Center website under Advising Documents & Links. For more information, please contact the Student Success Center via email at studentsuccessctr@laredo.edu or via phone at 956-721-5135 or 956-794-4135.
TSI Exemptions
The following table lists all State approved assessments with qualifying scores for full or partial TSI exemption:
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Assessment Instrument
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Reading and Writing Exemption
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Math Exemption
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ACT
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Composite score ≥ 23 and English score ≥ 19
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Composite score ≥ 23 and
Math score ≥ 19
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SAT*
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Total score ≥ 1070 and Reading score ≥ 500
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Total score ≥ 1070 and
Math score ≥ 500
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New SAT**
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Evidenced Based Reading & Writing Score ≥ 480
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Math score ≥ 530
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TAKS
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English/Language Arts score ≥ 2200 and Written Composition score ≥ 3
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Math score ≥ 2200
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STAAR EOC
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English III Level II score ≥ 4000
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Algebra II Level II score ≥ 4000
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* administered prior to March 1, 2016
**administered on or after March 1, 2016
The following are other conditions or criteria used to determine a full or partial TSI exemption:
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Completion of a College Prep Course (offered at select high schools) with a grade of 75 or higher and meet minimum TSIA-Math & TSIA-Reading scores as specified by Laredo College (see advisor for more info)
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Completion of college-level coursework as determined by LC
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Students who have attended any institution of higher learning and have been determined to have met "college-level" readiness
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Students who are enrolled in a certificate program of one year or less (Level - One Certificates, 42 or fewer credit hours or the equivalent) at a public junior college, a public technical institute, or a public state college
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Students serving or have served in the armed forces of the United States or the Texas National Guard. Specifically:
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A student who is serving on active duty as a member of:
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A student who is currently serving as and, for at least the three-year period preceding enrollment, has served as member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States; or
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A student who on or after August 1, 1990, was honorably discharged, retired or released from active duty as a member of the armed forces of the United States or the Texas National Guard.
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Service as a member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States.
For more information regarding the Texas Success Initiative Program, you may call the Student Success Center at (956) 721-5135 or (956) 794-4135. Testing dates and registration information are available in the Assessment Center.