PERT for Florida College System Latest Update
The Postsecondary Education Readiness Test (PERT) is a pivotal tool within the Florida College System, designed to assess students' preparedness for college-level coursework in mathematics, reading, and writing. Administered across Florida's public high schools and the 28 institutions comprising the Florida College System, the PERT plays a crucial role in determining appropriate course placements for students.
Purpose and Structure of the PERT
The primary objective of the PERT is to provide accurate course placement recommendations based on a student's skills and abilities. It is important to note that the PERT is not a pass/fail test; rather, it identifies the most suitable starting point for each student's academic journey in college. The test comprises three subtests: mathematics, reading, and writing. Each subtest consists of 25 operational questions that contribute to the student's placement score, along with five additional field test questions used to enhance the test bank continuously. The PERT is an untimed, computer-adaptive test, allowing it to adjust the difficulty of questions in real-time based on the student's responses.
Administration and Accessibility
The PERT is administered to students in Florida's public high schools and Florida College System institutions to determine readiness for college-level courses. High school students typically take the PERT during their junior or senior years, especially those interested in dual enrollment opportunities. For instance, the School District of Osceola County offers the PERT to students aiming to participate in dual enrollment courses, emphasizing the importance of the test in fulfilling eligibility requirements.
For students requiring accommodations, such as those with disabilities, the PERT provides options to ensure equitable testing conditions. These accommodations may include adjustments in font size, background color, and the availability of a paper-based version of the test. Such measures ensure that all students have the opportunity to demonstrate their academic skills effectively.
Scoring and Placement
Upon completion of the PERT, students receive scores that determine their placement in appropriate courses. The Florida Department of Education has established specific cut scores for each subtest to indicate college readiness. Students meeting or exceeding these scores are considered ready for entry-level college credit courses. Conversely, those who do not meet the cut scores may be required to enroll in developmental education courses to build the necessary skills for academic success.
Alternative Assessments and Exemptions
In addition to the PERT, Florida recognizes alternative assessments for demonstrating college readiness. Standardized tests such as the SAT, ACT, and ACCUPLACER Next Generation (NG) are accepted, with established benchmark scores indicating proficiency. For example, Eastern Florida State College administers both the PERT and ACCUPLACER NG as placement tests, allowing students to use their highest scores for course placement.
Furthermore, certain students may be exempt from placement testing based on specific criteria. For instance, students who have achieved a high school GPA of 3.0 and a grade of "B" or better in designated courses may demonstrate readiness for college-level work without the need for placement testing. These exemptions aim to streamline the enrollment process for students who have already exhibited academic proficiency.
Recent Developments and Updates
As of November 2024, updates to the PERT have been implemented to enhance its effectiveness and alignment with current educational standards. The School District of Osceola County, for example, has updated its assessment protocols to ensure that students are adequately prepared for college and career readiness. These updates include offering the PERT to students interested in dual enrollment courses for the spring 2025 semester, emphasizing the importance of the test in fulfilling eligibility requirements.
Additionally, McCann Associates, the developer of the PERT, has continued to support the assessment's implementation across Florida. Despite the expiration of the contract with the Florida Department of Education in September 2018, McCann Associates has maintained its commitment to providing the PERT to institutions, ensuring continuity in assessing students' college readiness.
Preparation Resources
To assist students in preparing for the PERT, various resources are available. The Florida Department of Education provides a PERT Study Guide, offering sample questions and test-taking strategies to help students familiarize themselves with the test format and content. Additionally, McCann Associates offers diagnostic assessments to identify students' strengths and areas for improvement, enabling targeted preparation.
Conclusion
The PERT remains an integral component of Florida's efforts to ensure that students transition smoothly into postsecondary education. By accurately assessing academic skills and facilitating appropriate course placements, the PERT contributes to the overall success and preparedness of students entering the Florida College System. Ongoing updates and support from educational institutions and assessment developers underscore the state's commitment to maintaining a robust and effective placement testing system.
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