Enter your unique code to view results
Email: fast@biglakeschools.org if you are still having trouble.
Family & Caregiver Guide 25-26: Understanding Your Student's ReadBasix Score
Dear Families and Caregivers,
This year, your student participated in the ReadBasix assessment. This is a diagnostic reading test designed to provide a clear and detailed picture of their specific reading strengths and any foundational skills where they may require extra support.
ReadBasix is a powerful tool because it doesn’t just tell us if a student is struggling with reading—it tells us why. This enables us to provide support that helps each student develop into a more proficient reader.
What Does ReadBasix Measure?
ReadBasix measures six core components of reading with six individual subtests. This year your student took the four subtests required by the Minnesota Department of Education. Each subtest identifies a specific skill that is essential for reading comprehension:
Core Reading Skill |
What it Measures (The "Why") |
How You Can Help at Home |
1. Word Recognition & Decoding |
The ability to quickly and accurately sound out and recognize words (phonics). |
Encourage your student to use strategies like “chunking” longer, multi-syllabic academic words into smaller parts. Play word games using manipulatives (word/letter tiles, etc.), such as Scrabble, Boggle, etc. |
2. Vocabulary |
The knowledge of word meanings, which is critical for understanding text. |
Read together and discuss new words; research word meaning together; encourage curiosity about new words. |
3. Morphology |
The ability to use word parts (prefixes, suffixes, and roots) to understand new words (e.g., un-happy, read-ing, bio-logy). |
When they encounter difficult terms, help them break down the Greek/Latin roots to unlock the meaning. Encourage them to think of other words with the same root or prefix. |
5. Reading Efficiency |
How quickly and fluently a student can read connected text while still understanding it. |
Encourage daily reading of high interest articles, blogs, or novels to build stamina. Suggest “audio-assisted reading” (listening to an audiobook while following along with the text) to help improve reading pace and rhythm. |
Interpreting Your Student’s Scores
Your student's report will show a Scale Score and a Performance Level for each of the four reading skills.
1. The Scale Score (190–310)
This is a statistically calculated number that places your student’s performance on a common, standardized scale used across all grade levels.
Score Range |
Performance Level |
What Does This Mean? |
265–310 |
Strong Performance |
Your child has mastered this skill and is performing well above grade-level peers. This is a strong asset! |
250–264 |
High Average Performance |
Your child is performing solidly on this skill, meeting or exceeding grade-level expectations. |
236–249 |
Low Average Performance |
Your child is near grade-level expectations but may still benefit from support and reinforcement in this area. |
190–235 |
Weak Performance |
Your child is below grade-level expectations in this foundational skill and needs additional targeted instruction. |
We look forward to partnering with you to help your student achieve their full reading potential!