Florida developed a new computer-based postsecondary placement test, called PERT, that all 28 community colleges in the state will use to determine college readiness and to help better prepare K-12 students for postsecondary work. " The time they spend testing us on this could be used to better education in the classroom," says Courtnet Coates (13'). PERT is made up of three 25-item, computer adaptive subtests in reading, writing and mathematics. Two of the main reasons this test was developed is to help cut costs and to figure out where students are meant to be placed for their classes based on what they are capable of. PERT will include creating diagnostic tests to identify a student’s specific areas of weakness in reading, writing and math skills. "I did the practice test and studied a lot and I think I did really good," says Eliany Victorero (13'). This will assist faculty with organizing coursework for individual students and putting them where they are most suited. Depending on how well you do on the test will determine where you will be placed for your classes next year. The goal is to increase student progression and graduation rates, effectively shortening the cost of postsecondary education to both students and the state. The developmental education courses will be redesigned to address specific areas of weakness in a given subject. This will help students to build their understanding of specific knowledge areas without the need to take entire courses over again. Most students are outraged by this test because they already have to worry about taking the SATs and, now an additional test has been forced upon them. "I think they shouldn't be giving us a PERT test because we already have SATs to worry about," says Lina Anderson (13'). It seems like all this test taking can be a lot to handle but you just have to remember that the PERT test was made to help us with our future and to lead us on the right path. On the BCHS website there's a link for the PERT test page and our school has put up a practice test to help prepare us for the real thing. So always stay positive and do your best when taking this because your class placement for next year relies on how well you do!