Tutoring program helps TSI testers

By Paul Paez/reporter

Reading, writing and math are necessary tools for a successful college career, but for anyone who struggles in any of those subjects, free help is already available.

Since July 2012, TCC has offered the Academic Enrichment Program to help students whose Texas Success Initiative assessment scores are below the state’s requirements. TSI scores determine a student’s readiness for college-level work.

According to the TCC website, any incoming college student in Texas is required to take the assessment test. There are a couple of exemptions:  Either the student is enrolled in a college-level course that matches his or her skill level or placed in a developmental course to prepare the student for college-level courses. The program, known as AEP, gives students enrolled in developmental courses the chance to take a refresher course on the topics of reading, writing and math instead of focusing on only one topic.

Julie Dennis, NE director of continuing education services, estimates around 500 students have enrolled in the program on NE so far.

“The great thing about AEP is that it is free,” she said. “The students don’t have to pay anything, and they can take it as many times as they want.”

The program provides vouchers for students who plan to take the TSI exam, saving them the required $29 fee.

The program uses the PLATO learning system, which incorporates both an instructor and computer-aided programs that allow the students to practice all three topics.

“AEP is an extremely beneficial program,” Dennis said. “And there is so much that we can do and provide for the students to help them in their way.”

The resources are not only available to students who are currently enrolled on campus but to the community in general, to anyone who has been away from college for a while or to those who want to improve their reading, writing and math skills, Dennis said.

The program is offered on all five campuses. Students are encouraged to contact an advisor before enrolling in the program to find out the available times and requirements.