The Texas State Board of Education requires school districts to offer Examinations for Acceleration (EA) at every grade level and for every subject area offered in grades K–12. LISD uses tests from the University of Texas High School and Texas Tech University Distance Education Centers to offer a wide array of exams for grades K–12. Leander ISD uses these resources to ensure standardization and objectivity of the exams. Students earning a qualifying score of 80% or higher will be accelerated to the next subject level (subject level acceleration only) or grade level (grade level acceleration only) in the year following testing. A student may not attempt to earn credit by examination for a specific high school course more than two times.
Kindergarten Exam for Acceleration
Highly advanced kindergarten students who are currently enrolled in kindergarten in LISD can accelerate to first grade ONLY if they qualify through the Kindergarten Exam for Acceleration (EA) into first grade process.
Students will be accelerated into First Grade if they achieve a minimum score of 80% on the grade-level exam in both of the following subject areas: language arts and mathematics.
Incoming Kinder students for the 24-25 school year have an opportunity to accelerate. Registration is August 1 – August 23. Testing will be in September. Registration is through your campus counselor.
The summer testing window for the 25-26 school year is July 29 – 30, 2025, and will take place at Camacho Elementary School. Registration is done with your elementary campus counselor. Registration ends May 16, 2025.
Exam for Acceleration Criteria (TEC and TAC)
Grades 1–5: Grade Level Acceleration Only
A student in grades 1-5, who has not received instruction at the grade level tested, must be accelerated (promoted) one grade if the student meets the following requirements:
A. The student scores 80 percent or above on a criterion referenced test for the grade level to be skipped in each of the following areas: language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies;
B. A district representative recommends that the student be accelerated; and
C. The student’s parent or guardian gives written approval of acceleration.
Grades 6–12: Credit by Academic Subject
A student in any of grades 6-12 must be given credit for an academic subject in which he or she has had no prior instruction if the student scores:
A. a three or higher on a College Board advanced placement examination that has been approved by the school district board of trustees for the applicable course;
B. a scaled score of 50 or higher on an examination administered through the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) and approved by the school district board of trustees for the applicable course; or
C. 80% on any other criterion-referenced test approved by the school district board of trustees for the applicable course.
Leander ISD Testing Dates
Exams for Acceleration test registration and windows are set by the district for students in grades 1–12. Tests must be taken and scores must be received prior to the start of the course to accelerate. Once instruction begins it is too late to take an exam for acceleration. A student may only test one time to accelerate unless it is a high school credit course. The district will only pay for one attempt regardless of grade level. A student may not attempt to earn credit by examination for a specific high school course more than two times. Attempt to earn credit must occur prior to the start of the school year. To learn more about EA testing and to register for EA testing, contact your campus counselor.
Exams For Acceleration Important Dates
| Administration | Registration Window | Testing Window | Notes |
| Fall 2024 | August 1, 2024 – August 23, 2024 | September 16 – 27, 2024 | Testing on campus. Kinder and High School Course Exams for Acceleration ONLY |
| Winter 2024 | October 15, 2024 – November 1, 2024 | December 2 – 13, 2024 | Testing on campus. High School Course Exams for Acceleration ONLY |
| Spring 2025 | January 7, 2025 – January 31, 2025 | February 24 – March 7, 2025 | Testing on campus. Grades 1-12 Exam for Acceleration |
| Summer 2025 | March 31, 2025 – May 2- 2025 | June 3 – 5, 2025 | Henry Middle School. Grades 1 – 12 Exam for Acceleration. |
Out Of District Testing and Summer Retake Options for High School Credit Courses Only
Options outside the district testing window must be taken through UT. A discussion to discuss testing option with your campus counselor is strongly recommended prior to submitting test requests to UT.
Exam Results Inquiry
Exam results are provided directly from UT High School. To get additional information regarding exam results, contact UT High School using the inquiry form: https://utexas.app.box.com/v/uths-inquiry-form.
- Exams are eligible for inquiry up to 60 days after the date the test was taken
- Credit by Exams and Finals inquiries are processed within 15 business days after the receipt of the exam from the proctor.
- The confidential results of the inquiry request and the subsequent student’s information are delivered via email.
Exam Results
Official results are only accepted by Leander ISD campuses reported on the official transcript from UT. Counselors and registrars will receive official grade reports/transcripts and will advise families on next steps for course or grade level placement. For course or grade acceleration, grade results must be received before the start of the school year to be considered for acceleration. Plan to complete test in time for results to be received before the start of the academic year.
Exam Retake:
If a student taking an exam for acceleration for a high school credit course does not receive an 80% or higher on their first testing attempt, the student can elect to retake the exam through UT High School. Parents/guardians will have to arrange and pay for this second attempt using this form: https://utexas.box.com/v/uths-cbe-reexam. The UT EID number for the form can be provided by UT. UT will have this information based on your student’s previous exam. Keep in mind that testing must be completed and scores must be received by the campus prior to the start of the school year to accelerate. Scores are sent to LISD and LISD provides scores to the campus. Campus counselors will be able to advise students on the next steps for placement when they return to campus after summer break.
Exam retakes are not available for courses that are not for high school credit.
To order first attempt or second attempt exams, scan the form and send it with payment information by email to [email protected]. For more information regarding the exam or retakes here is the contact information for UT:
Phone: (512) 232-3503
Email: [email protected]
Need additional information?
Please contact your campus counselor for more information.
