In's and Out's of PERT
I had a great question about PERT, I sometimes forget that not everyone knows about PERT and what it means to be college-ready. If you would like an introduction to PERT, or maybe just a refresher, read on.
Question: What is PERT? Who is it for? Why should kids take it? What does it mean to be college-ready? What are the scores to pass the tests?
PERT is the test all students have to take before registering for college classes, colleges use it to determine a student's ability to do well in college classes. If they don't pass, they have to take (and pay for) remedial classes that don't give them any college credit before they can take classes that will earn them credit.PERT is reserved for Seniors and Juniors. Once those groups have had the opportunity to test, sophomores are allowed to test in order to get the scores they need to take dual enrollment classes. PERT testing at the high school is funded through a grant, if the grant were not in place, every student would have to pay $10 per subject test.
If students pass PERT, they save about $1,500-$2,000 on the cost of remedial classes they must take at the college level if they don't pass PERT.Per the grant, students have 3 attempts to take PERT math and reading and 2 attempts to take PERT writing during their time at the high school. If they have to go past those attempts, they have to pay $10 per subject test at IRSC.
The passing scores for PERT are MATH: 114 (123 to skip to intermediate college algebra), READING: 106, WRITING: 103
College ready simply means students are able to go right into college classes without needing remedial help. Remedial courses are available at colleges, however students have to pay money for these courses and they don't count towards a degree. It is a huge waste of money, so we encourage students to try to pass PERT for free at the high school.