Developmental Education Plan - Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Assessment & Exemptions - Updated May 2021

Sep 27, 2026

Uploaded by Riley

WTAMU’s Developmental Education Plan outlines how the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) assesses entering undergraduates’ college readiness in reading, writing, and math, then routes students into developmental interventions when needed. The plan specifies state-approved assessment requirements (TSI Assessment through 2026, including TSIA 2.0), minimum benchmark scores, and detailed exemption pathways using ACT, SAT, TAKS, STAAR EOC, prior coursework, degree status, and other eligibility conditions. It also defines waiver options for temporary policy exclusions, a one-semester waiver framework, and pre-assessment activity expectations, including PAA preparation and sample resources.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages7

Reading Time18 min

AccessFree to download

Texas Success Initiative (TSI)

Exemptions

Waivers

Assessment Waiver

TSI Assessment

TSIA 2.0 Benchmark Scores

Pre-Assessment Activity (PAA)

DEVELOPMENTAL EDUCATION PLAN West Texas A&M University The university developmental education plan is designed to assist students in building their skills and knowledge to a level required to be successful in college-level courses. WTAMU is committed to the growth, development and success of all students admitted to the university. TEXAS SUCCESS INITIATIVE (TSI) TSI is focused on using a statewide standard for assessing college-level readiness skills of all entering undergraduate students at public colleges and universities. New students are assessed on their reading, writing and math skills, then academically advised and placed in developmental interventions if necessary. The only state-approved exam is the TSI Assessment (through 2026) and TSIA 2.0. EXEMPTIONS Students who meet one of the following exemptions or exceptions are not required by the state to be assessed for TSI: • ACT – A composite score of 23 with at least 19 on the mathematics test is exempt from the math section, and/or a composite score of 23 with at least 19 on the English test is exempt for both the reading and writing sections. • SAT (After March 2016)– A minimum score of 530 on the mathematics test is exempt for the mathematics section. A minimum score of 480 on the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) test is exempt for both the reading and writing sections of the TSI Assessment. There is no required combined score. • TAKS (11th Grade exit-level through 2023)– A math score of at least 2200 will exempt students from the math section and/or at least 2200 and an essay score of at least 3 will exempt from the reading and writing sections. • STAAR End-of-Course – At least Level 2 score (4000) on the Algebra II EOC will exempt students from the math section, and/or at least Level 2 score (4000) on the English III EOC will exempt students from the reading and writing sections. • Coursework-Students from accredited out of state, private or independent institutions of higher education that have satisfactorily (earned grade of ‘D’ or better) completed designated college-level course work may be exempt. | Reading | Writing | Math | | --- | --- | --- | | English Language Arts and Reading (TSIA 2 .0) | | MATH 1314 | | ENGL 1302 | | MATH 1324 | | | | MATH 1332 * | | | | MATH 1342* | | | | Math course for which any of the above is a prerequisite | | *Exemption for math will be non-algebraic; students wishing to follow an algebraic track thereafter will need to enroll in an NCBO or submit a new TSIA or TSIA 2.0 score. | | | • Degree-A graduate from institution of higher education with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree will be exempt. • Previously Exempted-A student has been determined to meet TSI requirements by a Texas college or university they previously attended will be exempt. • TASP Met – A student who has met requirements under TASP policies prior to September 1, 2003 will be exempt. • Military – A student who has been honorably discharged, retired or released from active duty asa member of the armed forces of the United States, the Texas National Guard or reserve Updated May 2021 component on or after August 1, 1990 will be exempt. WAIVERS Temporary exclusions for TSI policy are granted for one semester of enrollment. • Active Military – A student on active duty as a member of the armed forces of the United States, Texas National Guard or actively serving in the reserve component of the armed forces of the United States who has served at least three years prior to enrollment may receive a waiver. • Non-degree Seeking – A student who is not seeking a degree or a certificate may receive a waiver. o Non-degree seeking students must be approved by Advising Services to be continue enrollment under this status. Advising Services will review the status of non-degree students each semester as they re-enroll. These students are limited to eight hours per semester of coursework not associated with reading, m

FAQs

What is the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) and how does it affect new WTAMU students?

TSI uses a statewide standard to assess college-level readiness for entering undergraduate students in reading, writing, and math. Students are then academically advised and placed into developmental interventions if needed.

Which exams can exempt students from TSI testing requirements?

Students may be exempt from parts of TSI based on qualifying ACT, SAT, TAKS, or STAAR End-of-Course scores, as well as certain completed college-level coursework and other eligibility conditions listed in the plan.

What is the TSI Pre-Assessment Activity (PAA)?

Students planning to test must complete the TSI Pre-Assessment Activity (PAA), which explains the importance and consequences of TSI scores and includes sample questions and preparation resources.

Sep 27, 2026

Uploaded by Riley