Get Dibels Benchmark Goals

DIBELS Composite Score: A combination of multiple DIBELS scores, which provides the best overall estimate of the student's reading proficiency.

Second grade benchmark goal: At least 54 letter sounds read correctly in one minute with at least 13 nonsense words read as whole words Does your child know the sounds that letters make?

The purpose of DIBELS is to provide educators with standards for gauging the status and progress of all students. DIBELS subtests measure critical skills and abilities that are necessary for reading success, and most offer both benchmark and progress-monitoring forms.

A DIBELS report will include both a Composite Score and individual section scores. The “Goal” listed on the sheet indicates the lowest score a student can receive to be considered at “benchmark.” Benchmark scores indicate adequate reading progress. This means the student is likely to achieve the next benchmark goal.

DIBELS are measures that help teachers and schools determine how students are performing on important reading skills. DIBELS stands for Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills. These measures are designed for students in grades K-8.

DIBELS benchmark goals are empirically derived, criterion-referenced target scores that represent adequate reading prog- ress. A benchmark goal indicates a level of skill where the student is likely to achieve the next DIBELS benchmark goal or reading outcome.

A DIBELS report will include both a Composite Score and individual section scores. The “Goal” listed on the sheet indicates the lowest score a student can receive to be considered at “benchmark.” Benchmark scores indicate adequate reading progress. This means the student is likely to achieve the next benchmark goal.

If a student is at or above the benchmark goal on the DIBELS Composite Score, the odds are in the student's favor of reaching later important reading outcomes.