§ The Framework provides a detailed description of the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT), which is conducted each year in Ontario. It also describes how the OSSLT is assessed and scored, along with how it aligns with the expectations in The Ontario Curriculum.
§ The Sample Tests, Student Answer Sheet, and Answer Key are examples of what to expect on the March 2008 test.
§ The Administering the OSSLT guide has been developed to provide direction and information to principals and teachers administering the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT)
§ The Guide for Accommodations, Special Provisions, Deferrals and Exemptions provides information and directions to assist principals and teachers in making decisions about accommodations for students with special education needs, special provisions for English-language learners, deferrals and exemptions for students writing the OSSLT.
§ The 2007-2008 Bulletin for Teachers provides quick facts and describes OSSLT features; it also illustrates professional responsibilities when administering the OSSLT.
§ The Planning and Preparation Guide describes the reading and writing skills assessed and the kinds of questions; provides sample test materials and frequently asked questions by teachers and students.
§ The Getting Ready Guide provides students with details about test content, instructions for doing the test and tips for doing well.
§ Released 2007 OSSLT Items with Answer Key and Scoring Guides shares with educators and the public all of the test items used to compute students’ scores. The items are presented in the same order as in the test booklets and with the same instructions. The booklet has a different format from that used for the actual administration and does not include field-test materials. The correct responses to multiple-choice questions are provided in the Answer Key. The Student Answer Sheet on which students recorded their answers is also included.
§ The Summary of Results and Strategies for Teachers will assist educators in helping students develop and demonstrate their literacy skills.
Secondary EQAO Support Resources (OSSLT Preparation Materials)
§ A PowerPoint presentation (OSSLT Prep4All) has also been posted on the portal. This can act as a review for grade 10 students (perhaps as an assembly) as they prepare to write the OSSLT. Please click on the link below to access this presentation.
§ Flash Marking of grade 9 Literacy Simulation Test. As previously discussed, the Grade 9 Simulation Test will be assessed to determine at-risk factors students who will need extra support to experience success on the OSSLT. Currently, a pilot project for this Flash marking is underway at an intensive support school. Upon its completion, the Program model for Board-wide implementation will be forwarded.
§ Here are four valuable sites to consider for OSSLT preparation. Some allow students to take OSSLT style tests online, and providing instant feedback and suggestions for improvement for students.
ü A review document with tips and strategies to help students prepare to write the OSSLT, access trough Outlook Web Access with password and ID:
http://centre-exo01/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.haltondsb.on.ca/temp/HeyYouInGrade10.pdf?sMenuKey=924&sMenuID=264&sParentID=920&sPageID
ü OSSLT style activities with sample responses students can review: http://www.cawthrapark.com/eqao/sample.htm
ü A variety of articles from CNN and CBS with multiple choice questions on content, vocabulary, and organization: http://literacynet.org/cnnsf/archives.html
ü Online sample OSSLT style tests with instant feedback for students: http://www.ilc.org/cfmx/AAT/EQAO/aat_G10_TestPreparation.cfm?Menu_ID_Sel=11300&Lang_Sel=1