Benchmark Assessment Systems 1 & 2 Seminar
Use the Benchmark Assessment System to inform your teaching.
In this 2-day training, learn how to administer, score, and analyze student reading behaviors utilizing the Benchmark Assessment System. Discover how to use the information with the Fountas & Pinnell Literacy Continuum to guide your teaching.
Register to participate in-person at Lesley University or virtually!
- Literacy Coaches & Teacher Leaders
- Classroom Teachers & Interventionists
- Literacy Collaborative Affiliation Discount available
The Fountas & Pinnell Benchmark Assessment System (BAS), developed by Irene Fountas and Gay Su Pinnell, is a series of texts that teachers can use to identify a student’s reading level and comprehension. Teachers use the Benchmark Assessment System 1 with students in grades K–2 and the Benchmark Assessment System 2 for students in grades 3–8.
Through demonstration, guided practice, and discussion, you will learn how to administer, score, and analyze the Benchmark Assessment System and how to use the information to guide teaching.
Course Outcomes
- Administer, code, and score oral reading behaviors
- Conduct a standardized comprehension conversation
- Determine independent, instructional, and placement levels for readers using the Fountas and Pinnell A–N or L–Z Text Level Gradient
- Analyze a child’s reading performance, including reading comprehension, reading fluency, and word analysis
- Determine the instructional implications for whole-group, small-group, and individual instruction using assessment results and the Fountas & Pinnell Literacy Continuum
- Use the Fountas & Pinnell Online Data Management System for your record keeping
You’ll earn 12 professional development hours in this training.
Nikki Drury, Literacy Trainer
Nikki worked as a literacy coach and teacher in public school for many years before joining the Center for Reading Recovery and Literacy Collaborative as an Intermediate Trainer. She has experience as a primary and intermediate classroom teacher and literacy instructional coach at the intermediate level. Over the years, she has worked with students, educators, and administrators to improve literacy outcomes.
You may choose to attend this training in-person at Lesley University or virtually in real time. Should any of the conditions change and it is determined the training will be offered virtually only, you will be notified as soon as possible. We recommend that you contact us before reserving travel and lodging.
If you choose to attend in-person, the training room will have Lesley University’s HyFlex Classroom Technology to support an engaging learning environment for in-person and virtual participants. If you have questions about in-person or virtual attendance, please email us at CRRLC@lesley.edu.
In-person participants are required to follow the Lesley safety protocols noted on the Requirements & Policies tab.
Required Materials
You must have access to the materials found in the Benchmark Assessment Systems 1 or 2. During registration, please specify which edition (3rd or 2nd) you will be able to access.
To learn more or purchase the Benchmark Assessment Systems, click here
Cancellation Deadline & Refund Policies
You must cancel your registration no later than two weeks before the first day of training to get a full refund. If you cancel your registration within the two weeks prior to the first day of training, you will be charged a $50 processing fee. Email CRRLC@lesley.edu if you have a cancellation or substitution request. Regardless of weather conditions, if the event is held but you cannot attend, you will be billed for the full amount.
Registration Deadline & Shipping Policies
The registration portal closes two business days before the first day of training to allow the minimum amount of time to ship additional training materials (if applicable).
If you register within two weeks before the registration portal closes, you may incur additional fees for expedited shipping. You may still experience delays in receiving your materials.
Requirements for Participation
After the training, you will receive a certificate of attendance for your participation. To receive a complete certificate, participation during the specified times is required. Additional work may be assigned to meet the professional development hours.
COVID-19 Protocols
At this point in time, participants who have opted to come to Lesley University for the in-person format of professional learning must be prepared to follow the University’s COVID-19 protocols before and during the event.
- You must be “up to date on vaccinations” as defined by the CDC.
- Refrain from coming to campus if you are feeling COVID-19 symptoms. If you are feeling sick, symptomatic, or test positive for COVID-19, please stay home and email CRRLC@lesley.edu to switch your registration to virtual.
- Masks are highly recommended indoors, but not required at this time. If there is a mask requirement for the event you are attending, our team will communicate this decision.
- Please read the Lesley University’s COVID-19 protocols are designed to protect the health and safety of our community.
With Your Colleagues Option
We can tailor the Benchmark Assessment System Training (K-2 or 3-8) to your school/district. Participants in the group must all be using the Benchmark Assessment Systems and have access to their materials prior to the training.
This option can be delivered virtually or in-person for a group within your school/district.
Fees & Policies
- Fees are determined by the number of participants and the duration of training.
- If applicable, travel expenses for each trainer (airfare, hotel, meals, and rental car) are an additional cost to be paid by the district.
- Professional development sessions that require extensive travel or overnight stays (if applicable) may incur an additional surcharge.
- If the number of participants exceeds the maximum, another trainer may be needed. This will increase training costs and travel expenses.
- Unless otherwise noted, fees do not include the cost of any required books or materials. The faculty trainer will consult with the district to select books based on the topics and the district’s needs.
- School districts in the same geographic area participating in the same training may combine their resources to meet participant minimums. Payment must be on one district’s purchase order.
For detailed costs, complete our online form to request this training for your school/district and we will contact you.
Interested in professional learning at your school or district? Schedule a meeting with one of our faculty trainers.
“These two days of training have immediately changed my teaching. I am becoming increasingly knowledgeable and confident with my literacy instruction.”
Linda F., Classroom Teacher, Worcester Public Schools, MA
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