Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT)

 All grade 10 students will write the OSSLT on

Thursday March 29, 2012

All grade 9 students will write a Simulation Test on this day

 to help them prepare for the test next year!

What is being offered at St. Paul to help students prepare for the OSSLT?

*        Four Literacy Focus Weeks:  Students will complete a number of activities that will provide them with an opportunity to practice the specific skills/strategies needed to be successful in writing the OSSLT. The activities will be evaluated by classroom teachers and feedback will be provided to ensure optimal success.

*        Parent Information Session: Information about the Literacy test will be offered on Wednesday, February 29th, 2012 for all parents.  Parents are strongly encouraged to attend.

*        Free After school Literacy Tutoring: Classes will be offered after school Mondays and Wednesdays, beginning February 27th for students who need additional instruction and practice in writing the Literacy Test.     

      Important Information for Parents and Students

(taken from www.eqao.com):

When is the Literacy Test? All grade 10 students, as well as students who were not successful in writing the previous Literacy Test, will write the OSSLT on March 29, 2012. All grade 9 students will also have an opportunity to write a Simulation Test on this date in preparation for the test next year.

Do I have to write the OSSLT? As of September 2000, all students who are working toward an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) are required to write the OSSLT. This applies to all students in publicly funded schools, private schools, overseas schools, correctional facilities and Section 23 programs.

Why do I need to write the OSSLT? The OSSLT ensures that students have the required reading and writing skills by the end of Grade 9 as outlined in The Ontario Curriculum. These skills are the basis for learning in all subject areas throughout both elementary and secondary school. Successful completion of the OSSLT meets one of the 32 requirements for the OSSD.

Why am I writing the OSSLT in Grade 10 instead of closer to graduation? Writing the test in Grade 10 gives students who have not acquired the necessary reading and writing skills time to get the remedial help that they need before the end of Grade 12.  Those that do not pass the OSSLT in Grade 10 will have an opportunity to improve their skills before retaking the test the following year.

Will the OSSLT count toward my course marks? No, the test will not count toward course marks. Successful completion of the OSSLT however, is one of the 32 requirements for students to acquire their OSSD.

Will universities and colleges see my OSSLT results?  The secondary school transcript will only indicate that a student has been successful or unsuccessful in completing the OSSLT as one of the 32 requirements for the OSSD.

Is the OSSLT difficult to pass? The OSSLT is based on the expected reading and writing skills that students should have acquired up until the end of Grade 9.

If I do not succeed, can I take the OSSLT again? Yes, if a student is unsuccessful writing the test in Grade 10, he/she will have the opportunity to take the test again the following year.

Can I get an accommodation?  Students with an Individual Education Plan (IEP) who already receive accommodations for classroom tests and assessments, may receive accommodations for the Literacy Test. For more information, visit the EQAO Web site at www.eqao.com.

Can I get an exemption? To be eligible for an exemption, a student must have an IEP that clearly indicates that he/she is not working toward an OSSD. For more information, visit the EQAO Web site at www.eqao.com.

I am new to Ontario, and English is not my first language. Can I get a special provision or deferral? A student may be able to get a special provision or deferral.