Texas Success Initiative

Understanding TSI and College Readiness

The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) is a legislatively mandated program designed to guide Texas public institutions of higher education in helping determine whether entering, non-exempt students are ready for entry-level college coursework in the areas of English Language Arts Reading (ELAR) and mathematics. Students are exempt from this program if they meet college readiness benchmarks on the SAT, ACT, STAAR English III or Algebra II EOCs, successfully complete the high school College Preparatory Course, among other ways (click here for a complete list of TSI exemptions).

Entering students who do not meet a TSI exemption will need to take the TSI assessment. Students who do not meet one or more of the established benchmarks of the TSI assessment are required to receive developmental education academic support as determined by the institution.

Accessing the TSI Assessment

The TSI Assessment (TSIA2) is administered by all Texas public colleges and universities. Students can access testing by contacting their admissions advisor or the testing center at the college or university where they plan to attend. They will need to request information about the institution’s testing schedule, testing registration, and cost.  Please note each test taker must complete a pre-assessment activity (PAA) prior to initial testing. The advisor and/or testing center will provide additional information about this requirement, including access to the PAA. For more information on the TSIA2 and access to practice resources, visit the TSIA2 Student Portal.

TSI News and Updates

TSIA2 Launch Update Webinar for Higher Education (11-17-20)

TSIA2 Launch Update Webinar for K-12 Education 11-18-20

Receive the latest updates and information related to TSI

Resources for Students

In response to user feedback and legislative requirements, improvements to the TSIA are reflected in the TSIA2. As of January 11, 2021, the original version of the TSI assessment is no longer available. However, all TSI assessment (TSIA/TSIA2) results can be used up to five years from date of testing. Information related to the original version can be found in this Student Informational Brochure and/or Interpreting Your Scores Brochure for information. Students who tested on the TSIA2 (January 11, 2021, and later) should refer to the documents below.

Resources for Test Administrators

Professional Development

NEW! In partnership with Texas OnCourse, we are excited to offer free training modules for higher education and K-12 advisers. These modules provide up-to-date, comprehensive training for advisers on exactly what college readiness means in Texas and how understanding this concept holistically can impact advising practices. The Texas Success Initiative and developmental education are discussed in detail. To access the modules, register and log in to the Texas OnCourse Academy and navigate to the following modules:

• Student Advising with College Readiness and Equity in Mind (designed for higher education advisers)

• Advising All Students to Be College Ready (designed for K-12 counselors and advisers)

What Informs the TSI Assessment

The following academic standards were considered in the development of the assessment instrument for TSI. These standards were also considered by the content expert Item Review and Standard Setting teams whose work informed the college readiness benchmarks.

Texas College and Career Readiness Standards

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for English III and Algebra II

Texas Adult Education and Literacy Content Standards, 2.0 (AEL Standards, 2.0)