The easyCBM system is designed for benchmark assessments to be given at a student’s actual grade level (progress monitoring measures can be used off grade level). The benchmark assessments are for students designated in grades K-8. Only on-grade benchmark tests are accessible for students to take.

Benchmark tests are actually screeners and are given to students at their grade level to see where they are academically compared to students in their own grade, at a particular time of year. If you already know that a student is not performing at their grade level, the progress monitoring measures should be implemented instead.

While we don’t have one test or screener to administer to a student that will pinpoint exactly where he/she should start, we do have tools to help determine and then work to improve the student’s skill level in both reading and math. The goal of the program is to help students work towards being able to function at their grade level in the 50th percentile range.

To help identify the grade level tests to administer, look at the information you already have on the student. For instance, a 4th grader functioning below the 4th grade level might begin testing at the third grade level.  Based on those results, administer a grade level above or below on the skill levels.  Refer to the “Progress Monitoring Scoring Guidelines” to compare test scores with students in the various grades levels.  These guidelines will provide you an idea of where the student’s skills vs. grade level lies.  Administer different tests to determine skill and grade level aptitude.  For a student below grade level, assess them at different grades.  The goal is to move them to their expected grade level as soon as possible and at the 50th percentile.