Developmental Writing and Reading
Developmental Writing and Developmental Reading classes are designed to support students who are new to university-level writing and to equip them with the tools to succeed with the reading and writing expectations of their programs and degrees. All Developmental Writing and Developmental Reading courses take place in the University of Houston Writing Center, and students must be required to take a developmental course to enroll. Entering students who have not met the standards of the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) in reading and/or writing may satisfy the requirement by enrolling in and passing the appropriate developmental class. Students can find more information about TSI requirements and the related advising process on the Texas Success Initiative webpage .
Students who are TSI incomplete in Writing may satisfy the requirement with one of the following two developmental writing classes:
IRW 1100 (1.0 credit hours) – A non-course competency-based option comprised of 15-30 hours of mandatory individual tutoring to address developmental writing outcomes that students have not mastered. The tutoring supports the development of college-level writing through practice in the writing process. Must be taken concurrently with ENGL 1303 and may not be substituted for ENGL 1303, ENGL 1304, or equivalents.
ENGL 1300 (3.0 credit hours) – Development of college-level writing through practice in the writing process. Must be taken concurrently with ENGL 1303 and may not be substituted for ENGL 1303, ENGL 1304, or equivalents. Note: course may be offered as a prerequisite for ENGL 1303 only during summer terms.
Students who are TSI incomplete in Reading may satisfy the requirement with the following Integrated Reading and Writing (IRW) class:
IRW 1300 (3.0 credit hours) – Development of college-level reading and writing through practice in active reading and writing processes. May not be substituted for ENGL 1303, ENGL 1304, or equivalents. Note: IRW 1300 satisfies the TSI requirement for reading and writing, so students incomplete in both areas should enroll in IRW 1300 only .
Students must contact their departmental advisors for help enrolling in developmental classes. For questions about course curriculum or related matters, contact the Writing Center’s Executive Director, John Ebersole, at jieberso@central.uh.edu .