Texas Success Initiative (TSI)
San Jacinto College Developmental Education Program
Testing & Required Developmental Studies

The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) became effective September 1, 2003. This initiative replaced the Texas Academic Skills Program (TASP).

Requirements of the TSI and the SJC Developmental Education Program
  • All incoming students, unless exempt, must be assessed for college readiness in the areas of reading, mathematics, and writing. The assessment instrument used at San Jacinto College is the COMPASS, a computer adaptive test, and in some instances the ASSET, a pencil and paper test. Other approved TSI instruments are the THEA and ACCUPLACER.
  • Students must have demonstrated college readiness prior to being allowed to enroll in college-level courses with required skills prerequisites. College readiness is demonstrated for each area by a passing score on an assessment instrument, completion of a developmental course sequence, or having previously completed a college-level course with a skill requirement for an area. Once a TSI area is met, students do not have to retest unless they are seeking admission to a program of study that requires passing a test for TSI purposes.
  • All students, unless enrolled in a Waived Certificate Program, who have not met a TSI area(s), must enroll in and participate in developmental studies in at least one unmet area each semester until all areas are met. The Placement Chart, published in this schedule of classes, indicates the developmental education plan (the sequence of developmental courses) a student must complete based on his or her initial assessment score. Students should meet with a counselor to further develop their individual developmental education plan, which may include retesting, study skills, and other options for developing college readiness.
Exemptions from the Success Initiative Students are exempt from the provisions of the Success Initiative if they have met one of the following conditions:
  • have graduated with an associates or higher degree.
  • were previously exempt from or have completed the requirements of the Texas Academic Skills Program (TASP).
  • meet qualifying standards on the SAT, ACT, TAAS, or TAKS. Qualifying scores are listed in the Catalog, or or Catalog may be obtained from Admissions or Counseling.
  • are serving in the military or have been honorably discharged, retired, or released on or after August 1, 1990. This includes service in the Texas National Guard and reserves.
  • transfer from a private, independent, or accredited out-of-state institution of higher education and have satisfactorily (with a grade of D or higher) completed college-level coursework related to a skill area(s). Students who have not completed coursework related to all skill areas must be assessed in the unmet area(s) and must participate in developmental studies if the area(s) is not met on the assessment test.
  • have attended any institution of higher education and have been determined to meet readiness standards by that institution. This includes passing scores on an approved assessment instrument, a previous determination of college readiness (exemption), or the completion (with grades of C or higher) of developmental studies at that institution.
Waived Certificate Programs Students who enroll in a Waived Certificate Program are not exempt from required assessment, but are waived from required developmental studies The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) San Jacinto College Developmental Education Program Testing & Required Developmental Studies while enrolled in a waived program. However, they are restricted to enrollment in only those courses within the waived program and must meet all course prerequisites.


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