What is Benchmark Assessment System (BAS) and how is BAS used?

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Benchmark Assessment System 2.0

Benchmark Assessment System (BAS) 2.0 provides a comprehensive view of each student's reading abilities, assessing critical aspects of their literacy development. One-on-one assessment conferences uncover student reading behaviors in a way other assessments can't, offering educators a deep understanding of each student's strengths and areas for growth. That's why BAS 2.0 should be part of the assessment strategy for every school and district.

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Culturally Responsive Assessment Texts

BAS 2.0 features a new collection of diverse and inclusive texts that reflect a wide range of cultures and experiences.

Newly Designed Recording Forms

The new Recording Forms are designed to more easily capture detailed information about each student's reading needs and proficiencies.

Actionable Data to Drive Instruction

BAS 2.0 includes tools for collecting, inputting, and analyzing assessment data—making it easier than ever for teachers to go from assessment to instruction.

What's Included with BAS 2.0?

BAS 2.0 is divided into two distinct sets: System 1 and System 2.

System 1 covers text levels A to P, ideal for students in kindergarten through third grade.
System 2 covers levels K to Z, typically for students in second grade through eighth grade.

This overlapping in levels K through P ensures a smooth transition between the two systems and provides flexibility in assessment. Printed assessment books are packaged in a convenient storage sleeve. All other components are accessible digitally:

Provided in Print

Assessment Books (one Fiction and one Nonfiction book per text level)

Provided Digitally

Assessment Guide

Book Specific
Comprehension Rubrics

Diagnostic Skill Assessments

Recording Forms

Summary Forms

Text Analysis (levels A-J)

The FPL Continuum,
Expanded Edition eBook

Writing About Reading

The BAS 2.0 digital resource experience is accessible with an annual subscription. The first year is included with your purchase. Contact your local Heinemann sales representative to learn more.

The New Benchmark Assessment System 2.0 is Available to Order Now!
Contact your Heinemann Sales Rep to request a quote and place an order.

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Reliable Levels, Verified with Lexile^® Text Measures

Each BAS 2.0 book was reviewed by MetaMetrics^® and given an official Lexile^® text measure, making it even easier for teachers to align BAS 2.0 books to grade-level expectations. This helps connect assessment and instruction, providing a reliable link to other literacy resources being used in your school and district.

Understanding Early Literacy Development: Levels A-D

Assessing students at levels A-D is crucial for understanding and supporting the foundational stages of their literacy journey. These early text levels, and the corresponding assessment protocols, are designed to capture a comprehensive picture of emergent readers' abilities-focusing on key aspects such as concepts about print, phonological awareness, and phonics skills.

Concepts About Print: Levels A and B
Level A and B texts are foundational tools specifically created to assess emergent readers' knowledge of print conventions, phonological awareness, and early phonics skills. At these levels, the focus is on ensuring that students can navigate books, recognize the direction of print, and understand basic letter-sound relationships.

Expanding Reading Skills: Levels C and D
Levels C and D are designed to build upon the foundational skills assessed in levels A and B, expanding students' early phonics abilities and comprehension. These texts provide a more structured approach to phonemic awareness and early reading skills, helping teachers understand how students are transitioning from emergent to early readers.

Professional Learning

Enhanced Comprehension Conversation Webinar

Our tailored professional learning for BAS 2.0 delivers what educators need, when they need it to help teachers and students to thrive.

Implementation Support
Build teacher confidence for a successful BAS 2.0 implementation with our live online or in person Getting Started session for schools or districts. Educators will learn the assessment's organization, structure, and components, ensuring that teachers feel both confident and excited about their new assessment system.

Ongoing Professional Learning
Expert coaches will guide teachers to success through year-long collaboration in cohorts of up to 20 educators, facilitating instruction planning and the effective implementation of BAS 2.0 in the classroom.

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Personalized Literacy Assessment for Every Student

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