BAS

Benchmark Assessment System

What is the purpose of a BAS?

To identify each student’s reading level during this one-on-one, student-teacher assessment conference. Each assessment enables teachers to:

  • Determine students’ instructional and independent reading levels

  • Recommend a placement level for instruction

  • Form initial groups for reading instruction

  • Plan for efficient and effective instruction

  • Identify students who need intervention and extra help

  • Monitor and report student progress across a school year and grade levels

  • Assess the outcomes of teaching

2022-2023 Testing Window:

Testing windows are set for the district to follow. You will need to check out a BAS kit from the book room during your window. Data must be stored on your BAS Summary Sheet.

  • Fall: (ALL NEW STUDENTS)

    • For returning students, use data from 2022 Spring BAS & Fall Fastbridge

    • August 22nd - September 2nd

  • Winter: (ALL STUDENTS)

    • November 14th - December 16th

    • Fastbridge Benchmark Level

  • Spring: (ALL STUDENTS)

    • April 17th - May 12th

    • Fastbridge Benchmark Level

BAS 22-23

Running Records: These should be completed on each child regularing to guide instruction. See the Guided Reading tab for more information.

Fountas and Pinnell Instructional Level Expectations for Reading

Coding & Scoring at-a-Glance

Use the marks to code student errors and self corrections.

The total number of errors will be added to calculate the word accuracy score.

coding & scoring at a glance.pdf

Independent, Instructional, or Hard?

comprehension rubric levels A-K.pdf

Use the rubric to score the comprehension section. Then use the key (above) with the word accuracy score to find the independent, instructional, and hard levels.

comprehension rubric levels L-Z.pdf
Fluency Rubric.pdf

You also need to keep the kit organized and filled with 10 recording forms

(5 fiction, 5 nonfiction) for every level when you return the kit.

OrganizingSmallGroups.pdf
BAS Final.mp4

BAS On-Demand Training

FAQ:

Is there a difference in the L,M,N levels from both kits?

No. Levels L, M, and N are found in both kit 1 and kit 2. Kit 1 is generally used for first and second grade. Kit 2 is generally used for third, fourth, and fifth grades. Teachers must be mindful of using the correct leveling rubric when scoring these levels.

When should I stop testing a student?

Teachers should stop testing when the student reaches "hard". A student may have more than one instructional level. Teachers should conduct instruction and record the student's level at their highest instructional level.

Example: F-Independent, G-Instructional, H-Instructional, I-Hard (Student's instructional level is H)

What should I do when the student tests independent then hard on the very next level?

Begin by asking yourself if you have enough information to begin instruction. If not, try the alternate test (if you tested using the fiction test, try the nonfiction on that level). You can try this on the independent level or the hard level depending on your student and using your professional judgement to decide. If you finish that test and still need more information, you can try the alternate test at the other level (independent or hard) depending on what you previously tried. Keep the goal in mind that you are trying to determine which level to begin instruction on.