1. If I have a high school diploma or a GED, then why do I need to take Developmental English before I can take credit level English?

All U. S. students who apply to colleges and universities must take some kind of qualifying examination in order to be accepted by an institution.  In many cases, students take one of the college board exams like SAT or ACT.  If a student applies to a school but does not have a board exam scores, then he or she takes an exam at the institution to determine his or her correct placement in college courses. HCCS uses the Asset Placement Test.  It is the student’s test scores on either the SAT, ACT, or a standardized placement test that determine the student’s initial placement into courses.  For English composition, a student’s writing must also be evaluated by a writing sample test.  It is evaluated by faculty for correct placement.  It is not the purpose of any developmental course to simply require students to take more courses.  Developmental courses exist to provide students with the preparation they need to make passing grades as they progress in a college degree program.

2. I have already taken the SAT or ACT. Why do I have to take the THEA?

The Texas Academic Skills Program Test (TASP) was passed into law in 1989 by the Texas legislature.  The test name was later changed to THEA, the Texas Higher Education Assessment.  The purpose of the test is to ensure that college students have the minimum basic skills in reading, writing, and math in order to make passing grades at the college level.  If a student takes the SAT, ACT, or even Asset Placement, and scores above a certain level, then the student is not required to take the THEA.  If a student’s scores fall below a certain level, then the student is required to take developmental courses and take the THEA.  When a student passes all three levels of the THEA, then he or she has completed the state requirement.

3. If I pass the English writing section of the THEA, do I have to take Developmental English?

No. HCCS currently accepts the state’s minimum standard for THEA (but many universities do not; they require higher scores).

4. If I complete my Developmental English courses and make passing grades, must I still take the THEA?

Yes and No. If a student's test score is in a certain range (English 0300), the student must re-test on the THEA.  Currently, the state says only that the student must re-test, but the student does not have to pass the re-test.  If the student completes English 0300 with a passing grade of C or better, the student moves on to English 0310.  Students in English 0310 do not have to re-test on the THEA.  They meet the state requirement by making a passing grade of C or better in the course to advance to credit level English composition (English 1301).

5. What can I do to make sure that I will pass my Developmental English courses and the credit level English courses that I need for my degree?

First, take advantage of the writing opportunities in Developmental English to practice and perfect your skills.  Take the time to talk to and get to know your instructor.  Take advantage of the many resources like our writing labs, Learning Centers, tutoring, libraries, and online support.  Treat college like a job.  Research shows that students who treat college the way they would a job are generally the most successful.