Basic Achievement Skills Individual Screener (BASIS) was designed by the Psychological Corporation to yield criterion-referenced information as well as normative scores. The constraints imposed by this dual purpose were increased by the requirements inherent in an individually-administered format and the short testing time consistent with test use as a screener. Assessment of reading comprehension was determined to be the most valid and valuable aspect of reading to measure. The BASIS reading test employs a modified cloze technique. The mathematics portion was designed to be a quick screener yielding criterion- and norm-referenced information. The Writing Exercise is an optional subtest of BASIS still in the early stages of development. The Rasch model was used for data analysis because the BASIS tryout provided an opportunity to evaluate it using a small sample and a small number of items. Vertical equating would place all items and persons on a common scale. It would provide a method of validating grade placement of objectives being measured. (DWH)