The New Benchmark Assessment System 2.0 (System 2, Levels K-Z)
Join us to explore the powerful tools and resources available in BAS 2.0 to help you get to know your readers’ comprehension and word-solving skills.
In this two-day institute learn how to use BAS 2.0 to pinpoint students’ reading behaviors and instructional needs with word-solving, fluency, and comprehension.
- Classroom Teachers & Interventionists
- Literacy Coaches & Teacher Leaders
The Benchmark Assessment System (BAS) 2.0 is designed to make it easier than ever for educators to assess students’ reading behaviors including word-solving, fluency, and comprehension. Used with students in grades 3–8 (System 2), the BAS 2.0 features all new fiction and nonfiction texts, book-specific comprehension rubrics, and writing about reading prompts that are similar to those in standardized tests. Through demonstration, guided practice, and discussion, you will learn how to administer, score, and analyze the Benchmark Assessment System 2.0 and then learn how to use the information to guide teaching.
Workshop Outcomes
- Record and analyze oral reading behaviors including word solving and fluency with consistency and reliability
- Conduct a standardized comprehension conversation and use book-specific rubrics for scoring
- Administer and score the writing about reading assessment
- Determine independent, instructional, and placement reading levels
- Determine the instructional implications for whole-group, small-group, and individual instruction using assessment results
You’ll earn 12 clock hours for this training.
Linda Murphy, Associate Director, Literacy Programs 
Linda has worked in school districts in New York in a variety of roles and settings. Prior to her joining the center at Lesley University, Linda held positions as a principal of an intermediate school, a Director of English Language Arts, Social Studies and Reading, a district trainer for Literacy Collaborative Intermediate, a Reading Recovery Teacher Leader and a classroom teacher. Linda holds licenses in Elementary Education and School District Administration.
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.
Required Materials
You must have access to the materials found in the Benchmark Assessment System 2.0 levels K-Z (System 2) to participate in this institute. To learn more or purchase the Benchmark Assessment Systems, click here.
Cancellation Deadline & Refund Policies
You have until one week before the first day of this offering to cancel your registration. The cancellation deadline is April 22, 2025. There is a $50 cancellation fee. If you request a cancellation after the deadline, you will not be issued a refund. Substitution requests are acceptable. Please email CRRLC@lesley.edu if you have a cancellation or substitution request.
Registration Deadline
The registration portal closes at 5 pm ET on April 28, 2025.
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 clock hours.
In-Person or Virtual Attendance
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.
On-Site Professional Development
We can deliver this training to your school/district. This option can be delivered virtually or in-person for a group within your school/district. 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
Words Matter: Engaging Vocabulary Instruction That Sticks for Grades 3-8
Ready to make vocabulary instruction stick? During this two-day workshop, you will learn evidence-based strategies to build deep word knowledge, foster curiosity, and create meaningful opportunities for students to use and apply new vocabulary for lasting academic success.
Spelling: So Much More Than Memorization
No more test on Friday, misspell on Monday! During this two-day workshop, you will learn about the multifaceted, frequently misunderstood concept of spelling and how you can teach for strong spelling skills.
Thinking Beyond the Page: Strategies for Developing Deep Comprehension
Comprehension is a complex process and the ultimate goal of reading. Join us to learn practical strategies to support your students to go from surface-level comprehension to deep, critical thinking about what they read.