November 4th, 2022

On Wednesday, November 23 & Thursday, November 24, eligible Grade 11 & 12 students and students enrolled in ESLEOI this semester will participate in the OSSLT.  A practice test session will be available on Tuesday, November 15.

What is the OSSLT?

All students must successfully complete the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) in order to earn a secondary school diploma. Eligible Grade 11 & 12 students and ESLEOI students will participate in the OSSLT this fall.  Grade 10 students will participate during spring 2023. SRLP students will complete the OSSLT in person at their home school.

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, 11 & 12 students need to know

    • Students will be provided the opportunity to fulfill this requirement during the regular school day.
    • Eligible Grade 11 and 12 students will be invited to participate in the OSSLT this fall.
    • ESLEOI students will be invited to participate in the OSSLT this fall.
    • Grade 10 students will be invited to participate in the OSSLT spring 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 

  • Consult the BLUE  OSSLT button on the left menu of the WCI website.  
  • Teachers will be facilitating the OSSLT practice test on November 15 with guided practice and instruction during the session.
  • Encourage the student to participate in WCI OSSLT practice material and 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 

  • Remind the student to be on time and review the schedule.
  • 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 or if you are in Grade 11 and 12 and wish to seek an alternative to the test.

Questions?

Please contact your student’s Guidance Counsellor.