| (a) An institution shall assess, by an instrument approved
in §4.56 of this subchapter (relating to Texas Success Initiative
Assessment Instrument), the academic skills of each entering, non-exempt
undergraduate student as defined in §4.53(23) of this subchapter
(relating to Definitions) prior to enrollment of the student.
(b) For each student, including a student who is exempt
as provided by §4.54 of this subchapter (relating to Exemption)
or who has been determined by an institution to be ready to enroll
in entry-level academic courses as provided by §4.54, institutions
are strongly encouraged to provide the student with advising, appropriate
course and program placement, and support based on the individual
student's skills, strengths, and needs, to increase the likelihood
of the student's success in completing the courses and program in
which the student enrolls.
(c) Under exceptional circumstances, an institution
may permit a student to enroll in entry-level academic coursework
without assessment but shall require the student to be assessed not
later than the end of the first semester of enrollment in entry-level
academic coursework.
(d) Prior to the administration of an approved instrument
in §4.56, a test administrator shall provide to the student a
pre-assessment activity or activities that address at a minimum the
following components in an effective and efficient manner, such as
through workshops, orientations, and/or online modules:
(1) Importance of assessment for identifying a student's
academic skills, strengths, and needs;
(2) Assessment process and components, including practice
with feedback of sample test questions in all disciplinary areas;
(3) Developmental education options offered by the
institution including Non-Course-Based Options; and/or
(4) Institutional and/or community student resources
(e.g., supplemental instruction, tutoring, transportation, childcare,
basic needs support, or emergency financial aid).
(e) For placement of a non-exempt undergraduate student
not meeting standards as defined in §4.57(a) of this subchapter
(relating to Texas Success Initiative Assessment College Readiness
Standards), institutions shall use for determination of appropriate
courses, interventions, and other support the student's TSI Assessment
results and accompanying Diagnostic Profile, along with other relevant
information such as:
(1) High school Grade Point Average/class ranking;
(2) Prior academic coursework or work experience;
(3) Demonstrated personal achievement (e.g., leadership,
motivation, self-efficacy); and
(4) Family-life issues (e.g., job, childcare, transportation,
finances).
(f) An institution offering collegiate-level credit
to students via a Multi-Institution Teaching Center (MITC) or a university
system center, or to in-state students by distance learning delivery
systems shall ensure that students are assessed as required by this
section.
(g) An institution may not use the assessment or the
results of the Board-approved assessment instrument as provided by §4.56
as a condition of admission to the institution.
|
