The Early Literacy Benchmark Assessment Series (EL-BAS) consists of computer-presented
assessments aligned to Common Core State Standards in grades kindergarten and first.
The EL-BAS is consistent with the research-based findings and recommendations from
national and state panels (e.g., the National Reading Panel, the National Early
Literacy Panel, the Task Force on Reading Assessment established by Arizona HB 2732).
The EL-BAS assesses critical aspects of early literacy as appropriate for each grade
level including
print concepts
phonological awareness
phonics and word recognition
vocabulary acquisition and use
comprehension of literature and informational text
Three assessments are available for each grade level. The three assessments are
designed to assess the development of early literacy skills throughout the year
and cover the standards in a progressively more comprehensive manner. ATI recommends
administering these assessments in fall, winter, and spring.
Students are presented with a demonstration of how to use the computer interface,
clear instructions, and an opportunity for practice. Click here to view the
student instruction video
and the practice item for K-1.
Districts may choose to administer the assessment to a whole class in a computer
lab or to each child in the classroom as an independent activity with minimal supervision.
The assessment requires approximately 45 minutes to administer and can be administered
in one session or in multiple sessions.
The EL-BAS can support districts in responding to national and state initiatives
related to early literacy by providing assessment activities targeting critical
early literacy skills.
The EL-BAS can be used to identify students currently experiencing reading difficulties
and who may be at risk of future reading difficulties. Assessment results guide
instruction and intervention planning.
The EL-BAS can be used to forecast student performance on the statewide reading
assessment at the end of third grade.
The EL-BAS streamlines and standardizes the assessment process:
Administration is streamlined since students can take the computer-presented assessment
online as a whole class in a computer lab or as an independent activity with minimal
supervision.
Input and guidance to students are standardized.
No additional specialized training is required for teachers familiar with administering
Galileo assessments.
Student responses are automatically recorded and scored online.
