New statewide assessment requirements are now in effect. To receive training in TSI policies, procedures, and practices, go to the professional development workshop registration webpage.

Incoming ACC students now face a new statewide Texas Success Initiative college readiness test that replaces all other assessment tests.

All new students who are not exempt from assessment testing and current students who want to test out of developmental courses will take the new test.

What is changing:

• ACC no longer offers the COMPASS or Accuplacer tests; only the TSI Assessment is offered. Previous scores are still valid for students who enrolled in college before Aug. 26.
• Students must complete an online module that determines their TSI status and alerts them to online preparation materials. Students will present a printout showing they completed the module when they take their test.
• The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) has set the minimum score (cut score) required for credit classes. All Texas public colleges and universities will use the same cut score.
• Students scoring below the cut score will take an additional diagnostic exam. ACC will use the assessment and diagnostic test results to recommend the appropriate course sequence for the student.

The new test aligns with State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR) end-of-course assessments in English III and Algebra II, Texas College and Career Readiness Standards, and the National Reporting System Educational Functioning Level Descriptors (EFLD) Adult Basic Education standards.

A committee comprising Developmental Education and department representatives has defined the scores required for specific developmental courses. When placing students, the THECB expects institutions also to consider such factors as high school grade point average and previous academic work, along with family/life issues (transportation, childcare, finances) or potential barriers to persistence.

For more information, contact Yolanda Chapa, dean of student services at the South Austin Campus, [email protected], or (512) 223.9154