College Ready!

TECHS’ year started on a good note as we had six students pass the TSI (Texas Success Initiative). The Texas Success Initiative is a statewide college entrance exam that allows students to begin their college studies. In order to take college-level classes students must pass the English and math portion of the test. Without passing the tests, dual-credit students can only take Learning Frameworks and Art Appreciation at Panola College (which are the first college classes offered for Panola Schools’ students in the ninth grade).

 

(L to R) Jake Dodd, Keegan Mooty, Jonathon Ponder, Briton White, Tristyn Laughlin, Izabella Boss

 

Mrs. Anne Tijerina administers the test here at Texas Early College High School. This is Mrs. Tijerina fourth year as test administrator, who not only administers but explains and prepares students for the exams.  “I enjoy helping the students. I love when they see the results and jump up and down saying, ‘I did it!’” The first focus is passing the English proficiency test, both in reading and writing. This allows students to take several higher-level classes at Panola College. Next is the more difficult Math TSI, which opens enrollment in the remaining math-oriented classes. Mrs. Tijerina estimates that about 30% of students will pass the TSI English on the first attempt; 20% for the Math. Currently, about 75% of students are currently “college ready.”

Tristyn, Jonathan, Briton, and Jake passed the English TSI on their first attempt. Jake scored a 7 on his essay, matching the highest score by a TECHS student since Mrs. Tijerina has been a test administrator. For Izabella, it took only one attempt on the multiple-choice section but two attempts to pass the essay.

Congratulations to all, and to those still trying to pass, don’t give up! As Mrs. T likes to tell fretful students” Don’t worry; we will get you through this!”