The purpose of Benchmark in grades 1-2 is to develop the language comprehension strands of the reading rope (e.g. vocabulary, knowledge, and complex language structures)

In grades, 3-5, Benchmark is used to teach both foundational skills (through morphological word study and learning to read multisyllabic words) as well as reading comprehension skills. 

At Sherman Oaks, Benchmark is used in all grades to develop both foundational skills as well as language and reading comprehension skills.