Benchmark Assessment System (BAS)
Using the Fountas & Pinnell Benchmark Assessment Systems to determine student’s independent and instructional reading levels, teachers are able to observe student reading behaviors one-on-one, engage in comprehension conversations that go beyond retelling, and make informed decisions that connect assessment to instruction.
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What is it?
Teachers’ most reliable resource to accurately and reliably identify each child’s instructional and independent reading levels according to the F&P Text Level Gradient™, A–Z and document their progress through one-on-one formative and summative assessments. The Fountas & Pinnell Benchmark Assessment Systems provide teachers with precise tools and texts to observe and quantify specific reading behaviors, and then interpret and use that data to plan meaningful instruction.
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Who is it for?
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
- Inform parent conferences.
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What is inside?
All components of the system are conveniently packaged in a sturdy box that includes hanging file folders in which to organize the benchmark books and Recording Forms by level for easy access.
System Components:
- Leveled Assessment Books
- Assessment Guide
- Assessment Forms Book
- Student Forms Book
- The Fountas & Pinnell Literacy™ Continuum
- BAS Online Data Management System (ODMS)
- Online Resources
- Professional Development and Tutorial Videos
- Student Folders
- F&P Calculator/Stopwatch
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How is it implemented?
The Fountas & Pinnell Benchmark Assessment Systems (BAS) assessments are conducted one-on-one. In Part 1 of the assessment, the student reads aloud and talks about the system’s original, precisely leveled fiction and nonfiction books, while the teacher observes and notes the reader’s behaviors on carefully constructed forms. In Part 2, the teacher conducts a revealing Comprehension Conversation. Optional Part 3 uses a Writing About Reading prompt to elicit response to the text.