The
Texas Higher Education Assesment (THEA), mandated in the spring of
1987 by the State of Texas (Vernons Texas Codes Annotated
- Education Code, Sec. 51.306) was instituted to ensure that
students entering an institution of higher education in the Fall
of 1989 or thereafter possess the necessary academic skills for
successful performance in college. The THEA test measures skills
in reading, mathematics, and writing and is administered according
to published schedules. The THEA test cannot be used as a criterion
for admission. Registration information regarding test dates and
fees is available at Killam Library Room 214, provided by
Programs for Academic Support and Enrichment (PASE). Anyone
wishing more information regarding THEA policies should contact
this office. The following highlights some of the most important
policies students should know.
Beginning
in the fall semester of 1998, each undergraduate student, unless
otherwise exempt, who enters a public institution of higher education
must be tested for reading, writing and mathematics prior to enrolling
in any collegiate-level coursework. Failure to do so will disqualify
the student for admission into ANY Texas public institution of higher
education. Students who do not pass or take all sections of the
THEA test will have to take developmental education course work
in at least one of these areas to enroll at a public institution
of higher education. Students who take and pass the THEA test have
met all THEA program requirements.
SIXTY
HOUR LIMIT
Students
may not enroll in any upper-level course the completion of which
would give them 60 or more semester credit hours or the equivalent
until their test scores meet or exceed the minimum standards in
all test areas. In the spirit of this state mandate, Texas A&M
International University requires that students successfully complete
all three sections of the THEA test to enroll in any upper-level
(3000 or above) courses at Texas A&M International University.
REQUIRED
DEVELOPMENTAL INSTRUCTION
Students
who do not meet the minimum passing standard for any section of
the THEA are required by state law to enroll and participate
in developmental instruction (either course or non-course based
instruction) until they pass the THEA. Non-course based instruction
is only available to students who have been so advised by the PASE
administrative staff. If students are not enrolled in developmental
instruction, they cannot take any academic credit hours in any Texas
state institution of higher education. Students concurrently
enrolled MUST TAKE required developmental courses at Texas A&M
International University and not at another institution.
'B"
OR BETTER COURSES
State
law stipulates that students may not enroll in college level courses
related to their THEA deficiencies. Consequently the following courses
*may not be taken if the corresponding test section has not been
passed: |