Benchmark Assessment System

Benchmark Assessment System (BAS)

Fountas and Pinnell Assessments are used by our elementary teachers as a systematic and standardized way to assess reading performance. This benchmark assessment system determines students’ independent and instructional reading levels. The BAS quantifies reading behaviors based on decoding, fluency, and comprehension. Teachers observe and interpret students’ use of the cueing systems and engage in a comprehension conversation to determine students’ understanding and ability to go beyond the text. This information is used to monitor student progress and create meaningful nextstep goals.This assessment tool is used at least twice a year to monitor and document students’ progress over time. The Instructional Level Expectations for Reading chart is used as a benchmark to guide individual and small group instruction.