Benchmark Passages

Why Use Benchmark Passages

Benchmark Passages assess comprehension and reward students' progress from level to level. They are one part of a three-part process that provides a more complete assessment of reading behavior and comprehension than any of the parts independently.

• Each level has 2 fiction and 2 nonfiction passages.
• Each level has at least 1 fiction-nonfiction passage pair on the same topic.
• Each passage uses a level-appropriate percentage of words from leveled books at that reading level.
  • aa-E = 100%
  • F-J = 95% + 5% new words
  • K-Z = 90% + 10% new words
• The text of the entire passage is used in the online running record.
• Most are one page long, but upper level passages can be two pages.
• ALL are available on Raz-Plus.

How To Use Benchmark Passages

1. Assign an assessment using the Kids A-Z Student Management area or by clicking on the Assign button on the passage's thumbnail. (The software will automatically present a retelling and comprehension quiz when the student is finished reading.)
2. Check your Kids A-Z In Basket for the student's recording and score the student's reading behavior using the online running record form.
3. Check a student's scores against the expectations for a level to see if they should move levels. (For more details, see About Running Records)
4. Turn on student Incentives to reward students' progress from level to level.