1. TSI (Texas Success Initiative) Pre-Assessment Activity The purpose of this pre-assessment activity is to prepare you for completion of the TSI Assessment, which will determine whether or not you are ready to enroll in college level coursework according to the Texas Success Initiative standards for Math, Reading and Writing.

2. What is the TSI (Texas Success Initiative) Assessment? The TSI Assessment is a placement exam used to determine appropriate course placement. Your score determines your eligibility for college level coursework, and failure to put forth your best effort and do well on this test could add additional classes and time to complete your degree. The TSI Assessment is broken into two components; The placement test, measuring the Texas College and Career Readiness Standards (CCRS) for math, reading and writing. The Diagnostics portion, given as part two of a TSI module, which is designed to help identify areas of deficiency which may need interventions and/or more study time before retaking the TSI.

3. Who needs to take the TSI Assessment? Students planning to attend any institution of higher education in the State of Texas, unless they are exempt under Texas Success Initiative guidelines, must take the TSI Assessment prior to enrolling their first semester.

4. TSI Assessment Exemptions

5. TSI Assessment Exemptions, continued…. 2.A Student who has graduated with an associate or baccalaureate degree from a Texas public Institution of higher education; 3.A student who transfers to an Institution from a private or Independent institution of higher Education or an accredited out-of-state institution of higher education 4.Military exemptions and waivers. For a complete list of TSI exemptions, see Texas Education Code, §41.3062 and Coordinating Board rules, §4.54

6. College Ready cut scores & how to become “TSI Complete” If you do not achieve the desired score you can: Retake the TSI Assessment – you can take it as many times as you’d like! Complete developmental coursework or See the Academic Advising & Success Center for more information.

7. What is the test like? The TSI Assessment is not timed but, for scheduling purposes, if you are taking all three sections plan on five to six hours. Since your scores will determine your eligibility to take college level coursework, It is important to take enough time to carefully complete the test. The test is adaptive (adjusts to your skill level) and consists of multiple- choice questions with a written essay which is typed on the computer. Joshua High School offers a limited number of testing opportunities for $10. Otherwise, the cost of the exam is $39 at Hill College. Upon completion of the Assessment, you will be given a copy of your scores for your records.

8. About the Reading… The TSI Reading Test is a multiple choice assessment Passages are fiction or literary nonfiction and are approximately 400 words in length. You will be expected to: Identify and analyze ideas in and elements of literary texts. Identify the main idea of a passage or comprehend explicit textual information in the passage. Make an appropriate inference about a single passage. Make connections or comparisons between two passages. Identify an author's purpose, tone, organization, or rhetorical strategies and use of evidence. Determine the meaning of words in context.

9. About the Math… The TSI Mathematics and Statistics Test is a multiple choice assessment You will be tested on: Elementary Algebra and Functions Intermediate Algebra and Functions Geometry and Measurement Data Analysis, Statistics and Probability Calculators are not allowed, but when one may be used a *CALCULATOR ICON* will appear and provide whatever type of calculator needed on your screen.

10. About the Writing… The TSI Writing Test is a multiple choice assessment Your skills will be measured in: Fragments, subordination and coordination, and parallelism. Comma splices and run-on sentences, as well as improper punctuation. Arranging the parts of sentences in the most logical way, including the use of logical transitions and the correct placement of modifying phrases.

11. About the Essay… Students will create and type an essay as a part of their TSI Assessment. Your essay will be evaluated on: Purpose and Focus — The extent to which the writer presents information in a unified and coherent manner, clearly addressing the issue. Organization and Structure— The extent to which the writer orders and connects ideas. Development and Support— The extent to which the writer develops and supports ideas. Sentence Variety and Style— The extent to which the writer crafts sentences and paragraphs demonstrating control of vocabulary, voice, and structure. Mechanical Conventions — The extent to which the writer expresses ideas using standard English. Critical Thinking— The extent to which the writer communicates a point of view and demonstrates reasoned relationships among ideas.

12. What’s the big deal? If your long term goals include completing a degree at a university, starting at Hill College you can save $13,250 on average, on your Associates Degree. It all begins with a successful score on your TSI Assessment and signing up for dual credit classes with Hill College.

13. How can I prepare for the TSI Assessment? To help you prepare for your TSI assessment: Complete the practice questions in the next section of this pre- assessment; and You can download the free TSI Study Guide from College Board at https://store.collegeboard.org/. Type TSI in the search box and download the Web-Based Study App - Texas Version. It can be downloaded to any iPad, iPhone, Android, laptop or desktop.

14. Next Step: Complete the practice question packet. Fill out the Pre-Assessment Certificate. RAISE YOUR HAND WHEN YOU ARE FINISHED!

15. Next Step: Please remember to use your Joshua Student ID (six digit number) when you set up your account. Please click on this link: www.accuplacer.org