April 2nd, 2024

On April 15th and 16th, 2024 Grade 10 students will participate in the OSSLT (Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test).  The test will take place in their period A homeroom classes over the 2 day period.  

What is the OSSLT?

All students must successfully complete the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) in order to earn a secondary school diploma.  

The OSSLT is a single event that allows a student to pass their literacy requirement. The test consists of two parts.  Session A focuses on reading and has three reading passages. Students complete a series of multiple choice questions and open-response questions about the content they have read. Session B focuses on reading comprehension and writing skills. Students read two passages and complete a series of multiple choice questions. Students will also write a series of paragraphs supporting their opinion on a topic that the test has them read about. 

What Grade 10 students need to know

  • Students will be provided the opportunity to fulfill this requirement during the regular school day.
  • Grade 10 students are invited to participate in the OSSLT this semester on April 15th and 16th.
  • Previously eligible Grade 11 and 12 students participated in the OSSLT in the fall of 2023. 
  • All eligible students will be contacted by their Guidance Counselor to determine how they will fulfill their literacy requirement.

How will the OSSLT be administered?

The test is online using the EQAO Kiosk. Students must use their WRDSB provided Chromebooks to write the OSSLT. The test has many features to support students including:

  • A help menu 
  • A text-speech function that reads the text on the screen out loud 
  • Zoom in and zoom out 
  • A line reader that helps students focus on one line of text at a time 
  • A high-contrast view 
  • Annotation tools 
  • A tool for rough notes 

How can I help my student prepare for the OSSLT?

Before the Test 

  • Encourage the student to participate in the online practice test.
  • Encourage the student to review the format and tools available by previewing the practice test 
  • Encourage your student to do their best, knowing other ways of earning the requirement will be provided if the test doesn’t go well.

The Day of the Test (April 15th & 16th, 2024)

  • Remind the student to be on time to class on the test days.
  • Remind the student to eat before the test.
  • Students must bring their charged WRDSB Chromebook, charger, and headphones if desired.
  • Encourage your student to do their best, knowing other ways of earning the requirement will be provided if the test doesn’t go well.

What other ways can the literacy requirement be met?

Students can enroll in the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course (OLC4OI), or they may seek an adjudication process. Please connect with your assigned Guidance Counsellor if you have any questions.

Questions?

Please contact your student’s Guidance Counsellor.

 

Categories: Events