Overview

The 3rd Edition of Fountas & Pinnell BAS has been adapted for the Australian market and includes updated components, levelled books and online resources.

  • Year Levels F–8
  • Curriculum ACT, NSW, NT, QLD, SA, TAS, VIC, WA
  • Subject Literacy
  • Resource Formats Print, Digital
  • Learning Focus Benchmarking and assessment
What it is Why it works How it helps What it includes Samples

What it is

The Fountas & Pinnell Benchmark Assessment System enables educators to observe, document and interpret students’ reading behaviours through one-on-one formative and summative assessments using precisely levelled fiction and non-fiction benchmark books. Each book has a three-part Recording Form to guide assessment:

  • In part one, students read aloud and teachers record reading behaviour.
  • In part two, teachers engage students in a detailed comprehension conversation.
  • In part three, students are prompted to draw/write their responses to the text.

Why it works

A research-based approach to determining students' independent and instructional reading levels.
Reading levels are determined with the recognised and reliable F&P Text Level Gradient™.
Adapted for the Australian market with updated components, levelled books and online resources.

How it helps

Learners

Supported from the outset: Identify students requiring intervention and extra help from the beginning.

Appropriately challenged: Accurately and reliably identify each student’s instructional and independent reading levels.

Evidence-based placement levels: Document students’ progress through one-on-one formative and summative assessments.

Educators

Observe and quantify reading behaviours: Use precise tools to interpret and use data to educate meaningfully.

Accurately assess teaching outcomes: Monitor and report student progress across a school year and grade levels.

Connect with the needs of students: Engage in comprehension conversations that go beyond retelling.

What it includes

Discover how the Benchmark Assessment System improves teaching outcomes.

System Components

Leveled benchmark books to engage and inform

Applying the F&P Text Level Gradient™ ensures each Benchmark Assessment System book was:

  • developed under the careful direction and supervision of Irene Fountas and Gay Su Pinnell according to strict leveling protocols
  • vetted by a team of experienced classroom teachers to assure proper leveling
  • measured in a formal field study conducted by Heinemann to verify leveling across a broad spectrum of students.

System Components

Teacher Resources

Each Benchmark System includes:

  • The Fountas & Pinnell Literacy Continuum, Expanded Edition: the essential planning tool for interpreting assessment data and planning responsive teaching
  • Assessment Guide: a guide to implementing BAS, including an extensive overview; instructions on administering, coding and scoring; case study examples; and much more
  • Assessment Forms Book: bound master copy of each assessment form
  • Student Forms Book: optional assessments that allow teachers to gather additional diagnostic information to help identify a reader’s needs
  • F&P Calculator/Stopwatch: a tool to calculate students’ reading rate, percentage of accuracy, and self-correction ratio
  • Student Folders: Individual folders designed to store assessment results and record a longitudinal record of progress that can be passed from grade to grade, K–8.

System Components

BAS Online Resources

Purchasing a Benchmark Assessment System gives you access to the Benchmark Assessment System online resources. These resources include:

  • recording forms
  • summary forms
  • optional assessments
  • assessment forms book resources
  • professional development videos
  • tutorial videos.

System Components

Fountas & Pinnell Online Data Management System

Purchasing a Fountas & Pinnell Benchmark Assessment System also provides 12 months of complimentary access to the Online Data Management System (ODMS). The ODMS is a secure and efficient way for teachers and administrators to manage assessment data. It allows you to:

  • collect, analyse and report data at the individual and class level
  • monitor progress of instructional and independent reading levels
  • customise reports to meet class and school needs.

 

Login to the ODMS

Support videos

Enhanced Comprehension Conversation

Support videos

Let's Get Practical

Samples & downloads

For Benchmark Assessment System samplers, get in touch with one of our education consultants using the contact form below.

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