1. Preparing for the OSSLT – Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test
March 27, 2014

2. Tonight’s Goals Give parents a better understanding of what:
the OSSLT is
the school does to prepare students for the test
parents can do to prepare students to be successful

3. Definition of Literacy
for the OSSLT, literacy comprises the reading and writing skills required to understand reading selections and to communicate through a variety of written forms as expected in the Ontario Curriculum across all subjects up to the end of Grade 9.

4. Purpose of the OSSLT
A standardized evaluation of literacy comprehension and writing skills across the entire Ontario curriculum
The test is designed to collect an overall understanding of Ontario students’ abilities
The test is standardized based on:
Common age (grade 10)
Common curriculum (grade 7, 8, and 9)
Standard assessment
Impartial markers, using rigid standards

5. HSHS Overall Results (First Time Writers)

6. Test at a Glance Activity Allotted Time Booklet 1
(Reading and Writing)
75 minutes
Break
15 minutes
Booklet 2
Questionnaire
(Booklet 2)
10 minutes

7. The Test Day Held on March 27th, 2014
Only students writing the test attend

8. Test Day Schedule (subject to change)
8:55 am
Students proceed to test rooms
9:00 am
Students admitted to test rooms and instructions are read
9: :25 am
Booklet 1 of the OSSLT
10: :40 am
Break (refreshments provided)
10: :00 pm
Booklet 2 of the OSSLT
12: :10 pm 
Time for questionnaire
12:10 pm 
Dismissal (students with accommodations have additional time)

9. Preparation for the Literacy Test at Henry Street
Identify Students Strengths and Areas of Need
Practice Test
Look at prior years achievement – Grade 9 marks, Grade 6 EQAO results
Input from teachers
Develop a Plan
Students get feedback/meet with teachers
Provide Supports
Literacy across the curriculum
Information sessions and final pep talk
Classroom based projects targeting specific skills
News report computer practice
Workshops on major skills (Essay, Short Paragraphs, News Report and Multiple Choice)
After school literacy support
Individualized support for students with IEP’s

10. Accommodations
As outlined on the student’s IEP accommodations are available including:
Additional time
Supervised breaks
Verbatim reading of questions and prompts
Scribing
Use of technology
Other

11. Successful Completion
Marked at a central location
Results will be released in June each student will receive EQAO’s individual student report
Does not count towards the students final grade in any course but is a requirement for graduation.

12. Overview of Test Components
The test includes:
Informational text (real-life narrative): such as would be found in a Business, History, Physical Education, The Arts, or Social Sciences Class (used to gain knowledge on specific facts)
Narrative (dialogue) reading: such as would be found in an English Class (example a fictional piece used for interpretation)
A graphical analysis: such as would be found in a Science, Math, Geography, or Technology Class (example chart, graph, map, blueprints)
Multi-paragraph writing (essay): such as would be found in any class
Newspaper report: as taught based on the elementary language curriculum
Short Answer open responses (opinion paragraphs)

13. Reading & Writing Target Skills
Target Reading Skills
Target Writing Skills
R1: Understanding explicit stated information and ideas
W1: Developing a main idea with sufficient supporting details
R2: Understanding implicitly stated information and ideas
W2: Organizing information and ideas in a coherent manner
R3: Making connections between information and ideas in a reading selection and personal experiences
W3: Using conventions (spelling, grammar, punctuation) in a manner that does not distract from clear communication

14. Hints and Suggestions Be on time
Manage your time so that you can complete all sections of the test
If late – report to the office – no additional time provided
Snack available at 8:30 and during break
You must go home at the conclusion of the test

15. Hints and Suggestions
Be prepared – bring pens (dark blue or black), pencils, highlighters
No locker access
EQAO Rule: No cell phones, audio or video recording devices, pagers, digital music players or or text messaging devices are allowed in the test room.
leave at home or teacher will hold for in bin and return at the end of the test (not responsible for lost/stolen items)
Lists will be posted showing the classroom where you will be writing

16. Contents of the Test: Reading Tasks
Students will read informational text, narrative text and graphic text
Students will be asked to respond to the readings in two ways:
Multiple Choice Questions
Paragraph Responses

17. Reading Tips
Read the questions first. This will help you predict what the reading selection is going to be about
Skim the selection and then read it closely
Underline or highlight important information and ideas as you read
As you read, think about what you are reading and ask yourself questions about it

18. Reading Tips
If you don’t understand a word, read to the end of the sentence and look for clues to its meaning. If this doesn’t help try reading the sentences before and after the sentence to see if you can find the meaning from the context
There will be two types of questions about what you have read:
Multiple Choice
Open Response (paragraph)

19. What’s the Best Approach?
There are three types of reading questions. If you can identify what type of question it is, you can answer with more confidence.
Identify the TYPE of question:
“Right There” or Explicit Question (R1)
The answer is actually IN the reading. You could go to the reading and put your finger right on it.

20. “Right There” Questions
Examples:
What happened first?
According to this selection, what happened to Doug Gilmour’s Stanley Cup ring?
What do confectioners do?
In what year did the events of the story take place?
Where were the members of the crew of the Milan taken when they were rescued?

21. “Detective Question” Identify the TYPE of question:
“Detective” or Implicit Question (R2)
This question asks you to find the answer after doing several things or reading in several places and then putting that information together.

22. “Detective Question: Examples:
What does the final sentence suggest about Jon?
In paragraph 5, Sahid “wrinkled his nose” to show Jon that he does not…
Which word has the same meaning as “congestion” as used in paragraph 2?
Which word best describes the first championship rings?

23. “Partner” Questions Identify the TYPE of question:
“Partner” or Connection Question (R3)
This question asks you to answer the question using knowledge you already have. You and the question must partner up to answer the question.

24. “Partner” Questions Examples:
Explain why this project is a good learning experience for the students involved. Use specific details from the selection and your own ideas to support your answer.
Explain whether or not Jon and Sahid are good friends. Provide specific evidence from the selection and your own ideas to support your answer.
Do you believe the main characters will live happily ever after? Explain your point of view with specific details.

25. Test Instructions
The following appears in the “Test Instructions” section of the OSSLT:
Multiple-Choice:
Choose the best or most correct answer for each question
You must record your multiple-choice answers on the Student Answer Sheet. Multiple-choice answers recorded in the Test Booklet will not be scored.
To indicate your answer, fill the circle completely.
If you wish to change a multiple-choice answer, erase or cross out your answer and fill in the circle for your new answer. Ensure that your final answer is clear.

26. Decoding the Instructions
Multiple-Choice Questions Instructions:
Choose the best or most correct answer for each question.
What does this mean?
More than one answer may sound good.
There may be a few answers that seem correct.
Only the BEST answer will do.
Only the MOST CORRECT answer will do.
(These instructions and the following sample questions are taken from the EQAO website, to be used as training materials.)
Here are the instructions you receive at the beginning of the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test.
(Read through them).

27. What’s the Best Approach?
READ the questions first and then read the leading text.
ELIMINATE: Find the answers that are clearly wrong.
Cover up all answer choices but one.
Look at that one answer choice and look for anything that is clearly wrong. Eliminate that answer.
Uncover each of the other answers and repeat the last step.
CHOOSE the best answer.
Find the best answer amongst the “good ones.”
Compare the remaining “good” answers and try to see which one is best
It is true more often.
It is stated more completely.
Look for words like always, sometimes, often, occasionally, never.
Re-read the question and re-read a section of the text if appropriate.
(Read the text. )
Many of you may already do most or all of these steps already. That is great.
Do not fall into the trap of thinking that multiple-choice questions are easy. They can be very, very tricky.
It is really important to consider every possible answer carefully.

30. Test Instructions
The following appears in the “Test Instructions” section of the OSSLT:
Written Answers:
Write legibly on the lined space provided in the Test Booklet.
Pay attention to clarity, organization, spelling, grammar and punctuation
The lined space indicates the approximate length of the writing expected.
There is space in the Test Booklet for rough notes. Nothing you write in these spaces will be scored.

31. Strategies for Open-Response Reading Tasks
Read and re-read the question carefully.
Keep your answer within the six lines provided.
Answer the question using specific and relevant details and information from the reading selection.
Make connections between the ideas in the reading selection and your own experience.
Re-read your response and correct any errors you notice.

32. Paragraph Structure
State a main idea of this selection and one detail from this selection that supports it.
Structure: This is about facts, not opinion
Topic Sentence (first sentence)
Find the main idea where?
Write the main idea in your own words:
This selection is about…
Supporting detail(s) (second sentence)
Write specific facts that relate to the main idea.

33. Read the selection below and answer the questions that follow it
Read the selection below and answer the questions that follow it. In 2006, the Canadian Museum of Civilization (CMC) celebrated its 150th birthday as an important centre for the preservation and presentation of Canadian heritage. It is one of the most visited museums in the world. Nearly 1.4 million visitors a year marvel at its collection and also at the building itself. Architect Douglas Cardinal designed the curving shape of the building to emulate the way Canada’s rocky landscape was carved by glaciers and rivers. The Grand Hall, which is shaped like a canoe, displays the world’s largest collection of totem poles as well as six Pacific coast Aboriginal houses. The forest backdrop, stretching the full length of the hall, is the world’s largest colour photograph. The museum’s first exhibits in 1856 were a few glass cases containing rocks, minerals and Aboriginal artifacts such as stone tools, pipes and pottery collected by geologists and explorers. Over the years, the collection developed along with the country, becoming more diverse and modern. Today, the CMC’s collection includes items from the ancient past to the present day, from gigantic Haida canoes to a guitar used by rock star Randy Bachman (of the group the Guess Who). Only a portion of the museum’s acquisitions is on display at once, but over artifacts can be seen online. About 10 million people around the world log on to the museum’s Web site each year. Real and virtual visitors to the CMC have found a rewarding way to explore Canada’s rich and varied history and culture.

34. Sample Question
Summarize this selection. Include a main idea and one detail that supports it.
Rough Notes
Use the space below for rough notes. Nothing you write in this space will be scored.

35. The Rubric… Code Descriptor Blank
Blank: nothing written or drawn in the lined space provided.
Illegible
An illegible response cannot be read.
An inappropriate response comments on the task (e.g., I don’t know how to write a summary.).
Off topic/
Incorrect
A typical off-topic and incorrect response
provides an incorrect answer based on a misunderstanding of:
the question OR
the ideas in the reading selection.
• provides information not in the reading selection.

36. The Rubric… Code Descriptor Code 10
Response answers only part of the question. The response provides:
only a main idea (e.g., The Canadian Museum of Civilization tells a lot about Canadian history.) OR
one or more supporting details only (e.g., The museum contains aboriginal artifacts.)
a main idea with an irrelevant or unconnected supporting detail.
Code 20
Response provides a correct main idea, and one or more vague details from the reading selection to support it.
The response usually requires the reader to make the connection between the supporting detail and the main idea.
Code 30
Response provides a correct main idea and one or more specific and relevant details from the reading selection as support for it.

37. Sample Student Answers
Code 10
Annotation: This response provides a correct main idea only (“It is one of the most visited museums in the world.”).

38. Sample Student Answers
Code 30
Annotation:
This response provides a correct main idea (“It is one of the most visited museums in the world.”) which is supported by specific and relevant details from the selection (“1.4 million people visit a year”, “10 million people visit the site”).

39. Contents of Test: Writing Tasks
Students will be asked to perform the following writing tasks:
Multiple Choice Questions on Grammar and Organization
Opinion Paragraphs (in both booklets)
News Article (perhaps Booklet 1)
Series of Paragraphs Expressing an Opinion (essay) (perhaps Booklet 2)

40. Multiple Choice Grammar

41. Strategies for Short Opinion Writing Tasks
Read and re-read the question carefully.
Think of links between the topic and your knowledge and personal experiences.
Answer the question using specific and relevant details.
Re-read your response and correct any errors you notice.

42. Opinion Question Structure
State your answer: Hint: You can use part of the question in your answer.
e.g. “if you could learn how to do something new, what would it be and why?”
“If I could learn how to do something new, it would be how to drive”
Explain your answer
Using the word “because” in your answer will help you include examples
Conclusion
‘Wrap up’ everything you have said

43. Sample Question
If you could learn how to do something new, what would it be and why?
QUESTION – base you answer on the key terms in the question
LENGTH – fill all the 6 lines, but do not write more than that.
EXPLAIN – give the reason(s) for your answer. Be clear and detailed

44. Sample Question – You try it!
Explain why it is important to learn about other cultures. Use specific details to support your answer.
Rough Notes
Use the space below for rough notes. Nothing you write in this space will be scored.

45. The Rubric… Code Descriptor Blank
Blank: nothing written or drawn in the lined space provided.
Illegible
An illegible response cannot be read.
An inappropriate response comments on the task (e.g., I don’t know how to write a summary.).
Off topic/
Incorrect
A typical off-topic and incorrect response:
Does not identify an opinion in relation to the question OR
Is not specific to the question
Comments on the topic of the question.

46. Code
Descriptor
Code 10
Response provides at least one reason as to why it is important to learn about other cultures, but:
does not provide an explanation of the reason OR
the explanation of the reason is irrelevant
the explanation of the reason is not unique to the situation.
Code 20
Response provides at least one reason, but the explanation is vague.
The response usually requires the reader to make the connection between the main idea and the support.
Code 30
Response clearly explains at least one reason as to why it is important to learn about other cultures by providing specific and relevant details as support.

47. The Second Rubric: Conventions
Scoring Guide for Short Writing Conventions
Writing Prompt: What is the best advice you have ever given to someone? Use specific details to explain your answer.
Code
Use of Conventions
Code 10
errors in conventions distract from communication
Code 20
errors in conventions do not distract from communication

48. Sample Student Answers
Code 10
Annotation: This response provides a reason why it is important to learn about other cultures (“people can better understand other people”) but does not provide an explanation of the reason.

49. Sample Student Answers
Code 30
Annotation: This response provides a reason (“it creates a sense of understanding to the world”) which is supported by a specific and relevant explanation (“If a person saw a girl wearing a hijab, they might think it is strange, unless they had studied Muslim culture, & understood the hijabs purpose”).

50. News Report Make a rough plan Report must relate to the photo
Answer: Who? What? Where? When? Why? And How?
Write in the third person (he, she, they)
Include quotations from participants, organizers, witnesses
Proofread and correct your work
Use the space provided

51. Sample Question

52. Rubric: Topic Development

53. Rubric: Conventions

54. Essay Tips Make a rough plan Proofread and correct your work
5 paragraphs

55. Sample Question:

56. Rubric: Topic Development

57. Rubric: Conventions

58. Recap: Overview of Test Components
The test includes:
Informational text (real-life narrative): such as would be found in a Business, History, Physical Education, The Arts, or Social Sciences Class (used to gain knowledge on specific facts)
Narrative (dialogue) reading: such as would be found in an English Class (example a fictional piece used for interpretation)
A graphical analysis: such as would be found in a Science, Math, Geography, or Technology Class (example chart, graph, map, blueprints)
Multi-paragraph writing (essay): such as would be found in any class
Newspaper report: as taught based on the elementary language curriculum
Short Answer open responses (opinion paragraphs)

59. How Can I Help My Child Prepare?
Recognize that studying will not prepare teens for the test
Students need to be positive and confident when writing the test – encourage them to try their best on the practice test and, when appropriate, participate in the support programs offered at school
How Can I Help My Child Prepare?
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60. How Can I Help My Child Prepare?
Create an environment conducive to reading
model reading—read a variety of materials, read for fun and information
read flyers, instructions, pamphlets and maps together
sharing stories and ideas through conversation
discussing current events and encouraging the sharing of opinions - ask your teen to support their opinions and ideas during your conversations
practice understanding explicit information by asking your teen: “What’s the main idea?”
practice making connections (making inferences) by asking your teen: “What does the writer want you to know?”
practice ‘interpretation’ by asking your teen: “ What does this mean to you?”