TSIA2 Purpose and Overview 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A continuing student who previously tested as college ready in math now wants to enroll in an English Composition course. Which statement is correct?
- The student must still show college readiness in English unless an exemption applies (Correct answer)
- The student is fully exempt since they already tested college ready in one area
- The student must retake the entire TSIA2 including the math section
- The student may enroll without any assessment because they are a continuing student
Correct answer: The student must still show college readiness in English unless an exemption applies
TSIA2 college readiness is subject-specific; a student must meet the standard in each area (math and English) independently.
Question 2: Which of the following ACT scores would qualify a student for a TSIA2 exemption in mathematics?
- ACT Math score of 23 or higher (Correct answer)
- ACT Math score of 19 or higher
- ACT Composite score of 21 or higher
- ACT Math score of 18 or higher
Correct answer: ACT Math score of 23 or higher
A score of 23 or higher on the ACT Math section exempts a student from the TSIA2 Mathematics assessment.
Question 3: How long are TSIA2 scores valid for placement purposes at Texas public institutions?
- Scores do not expire and remain valid indefinitely (Correct answer)
- 5 years from the test date
- 3 years from the test date
- 2 years from the test date
Correct answer: Scores do not expire and remain valid indefinitely
THECB policy does not set an expiration date on TSIA2 scores, so they remain valid for placement throughout a student's enrollment.
Question 4: What does it mean if a student receives a 'Diagnostic' result rather than a college-ready score on the TSIA2?
- The student did not demonstrate college readiness and will be placed based on diagnostic sub-scores (Correct answer)
- The student must retake the test immediately before any placement decision is made
- The student is exempt from developmental coursework due to their diagnostic profile
- The student passed the multiple-choice section but failed the essay
Correct answer: The student did not demonstrate college readiness and will be placed based on diagnostic sub-scores
A diagnostic result indicates the student is not yet college ready; institutions use the detailed sub-scores to guide appropriate placement or intervention.
Question 5: Under TSIA2 guidelines, which of the following is a valid reason for a student to be exempt from the assessment?
- The student has earned an associate degree or higher from an accredited U.S. institution (Correct answer)
- The student is enrolling part-time in a non-degree program
- The student has completed a GED within the past year
- The student is over 25 years of age
Correct answer: The student has earned an associate degree or higher from an accredited U.S. institution
Students who already hold an associate degree or higher from a regionally accredited U.S. institution are exempt from TSIA2 testing.
Question 6: Which entity developed and administers the TSIA2 assessment?
- Educational Testing Service (ETS) (Correct answer)
- College Board
- ACT, Inc.
- Texas Education Agency (TEA)
Correct answer: Educational Testing Service (ETS)
ETS developed the TSIA2 under contract with THECB and manages test delivery across Texas.
Question 7: A student fails to complete the Pre-Assessment Activity before sitting for the TSIA2. What happens?
- The student cannot test until the PAA is completed (Correct answer)
- The student may test but scores will be withheld pending PAA completion
- The student is fined and must reschedule
- There is no consequence because PAA completion is optional
Correct answer: The student cannot test until the PAA is completed
Completion of the PAA is a mandatory prerequisite; testing centers are required to verify PAA completion before allowing a student to take the TSIA2.
TSIA2 Purpose and Overview 3
A continuing student who previously tested as college ready in math now wants to enroll in an English Composition course.
Which statement is correct?