The Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test OSSLT The Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test Goals of this presentation is to make sure you know what to expect on the test To help you to be as successful as you can be.

What is the OSSLT? A provincial test of reading and writing skills A diploma requirement for graduation from high school Every student in the province will be writing this test on March 29 Students have been practicing the reading and writing skills for the test in all subject areas since the beginning of grade 9 At Hansen you also have had the opportunity to write two practice tests to get a feel for the format and types of questions that are on the OSSLT

When is the Literacy Test? Thursday March 30, 2017 - Be here!! The test begins promptly at 8:25 a.m.

Where is the test? In classrooms throughout the school and the library Check the lists posted in the Atrium for your name and test location If you have a question or problem, see Mrs. Quinton ASAP If you haven't checked your name and room number on the list posted in the Atrium please do so today. If you are unsure your test location is it would be a good ideas to take a stroll and check it out before the day of the test.

Schedule/Structure 8:25 All students must be in their testing room 8:30 - 9:45 Booklet 1-75 minutes 9:45 – 10:00 Break -15 minutes 10:00 – 11:25 Booklet 2 - 75 minutes & Questionnaire – 10 minutes 11:30 Dismissed Note: English Language Learners and Special Education students will have extra time.

Break Your break will take place on the same floor as you are writing the OSSLT Snacks will be provided but bring your own drink – water or juice. No drinks will be provided. You will begin writing Booklet 2 promptly after 15 minutes. Don't be late. Do not leave the test floor as we don't want to interrupt other students who may still be writing. As the break is short there isn't time to go to lockers are vending machines. We want you back in class within 15 minutes so you start Booklet 2 on time. Teachers will distribute granola bars in the classroom. Water will be available in the hallway on the floor where you are writing. If you would like something different to eat during the break you will need to bring it with you.

Punctuality It is very important that you arrive on time as teachers will be reading a script with special instructions. They will only give the instructions once.

If you arrive late… You will be allowed to write Instructions will not be repeated No extra time will be given

If you arrive after 10:00... You will be allowed to write only the second test booklet of the day This will greatly reduce your chances of passing!

What to Bring Blue, black pens or HB pencils An eraser A highlighter Bring snacks if you would like something other than a granola bar for break.

NO DEVICES ALLOWED IN THE TEST ROOM WHATSOEVER! What NOT to Bring No cellphones or SMART watches No audio- or video-recording devices No digital music player No email or text-messaging devices NO DEVICES ALLOWED IN THE TEST ROOM WHATSOEVER! Bring snacks if you would like something other than a granola bar for break.

Your teacher is not allowed to provide any assistance to you Cannot re-word questions or define words Cannot review your work or make suggestions Cannot inform you whether you are on the right track or not Other than reading the instructions your supervising teachers cannot help you

Reading Selections Informational paragraph (225-250 words) News report (225-250 words) Real life narrative: an account of a significant time in an individual's life (about 600 words) Dialogue: conversation between two or more people (225-250 words) There are two types of informational reading: the informational paragraph and the news report Real life narrative examples-publishing a book at 15, a train wreck

Reading Selections Graphic (fewer than150 words): includes diagrams, photographs, drawings, patterns, schedules, maps, charts or tables

Reading Selections Types of Questions Multiple Choice-four options Open Response (about 6 lines of writing each) related to the ideas and information presented in the information paragraph, news report or dialogue reading

Writing Tasks Long Writing Tasks News report (one page) Series of paragraphs expressing an opinion (two pages) Short Writing Tasks (six lines each)

Writing Tasks Multiple Choice Questions Organization of ideas Main idea Sentence and paragraph structure Language conventions

Test Booklets All written answers must be recorded in the Answer Booklet in blue or black pen or pencil Read all questions and do only what is asked For example, if you are asked to write ONE paragraph, be sure that you write only ONE If you are asked to use information in the text to support your answer make sure you go back to the reading selection

Test Booklets Use the rough notes space to jot ideas or plan your response, but write your response in the lined space…otherwise it will not be marked Use the space provided for the answers – do not write more than is required. Do not write less. If you think a question is silly still answer it? What is your favourite season and why?

Using the Test Booklet for Writing Tasks Write the answers neatly – if the marker cannot read your work, they cannot reward you for your efforts If you write offensive material, your work may not be marked and the Principal will be notified

Using the Test Booklet for Writing Tasks Write in full sentences and watch for spelling, grammar and punctuation Instructions for reading and writing tasks are included in each booklet Make sure you refer to the instructions and follow them.

Student Answer Sheet-Multiple Choice Questions All multiple choice questions MUST be answered in the Answer Booklet, NOT IN THE QUESTION BOOKLET

Cheating EQAO investigates tests with similar results If you are caught cheating your test will not count No cell phones/electronic devices at all!!! You will need to see an administrator You will need to do the test again next year

Don’t worry… Last year 92% of students were successful Based on the reading and writing skills across all subject areas up to the end of grade 9

You’ve been coached Practice Lessons -News Report -Informational Text and Summary -Opinion Writing -Graphical Text and Language Conventions Counting On You

Resources and More Practice See www.jfss.ca Academics  OSSLT See www.eqao.com for The Getting Ready Guide and Sample Tests Come to room 110 at lunch this week Read!

More resources and practice! This PowerPoint will be posted to our school website The link to www.eqao.com for The Getting Ready Guide and Sample Tests will be live Please share this information with your parents

If you finish early… Review your work – check for spelling, grammar and punctuation. Check that you have answered all questions correctly, fully and to the best of your ability Sit quietly and wait for others to finish You cannot leave the test early.

After the Test In a few months, you will receive an Individual Report indicating whether or not you have passed the test Not successful- you will have the opportunity to write the test again next year Unsuccessful again - you may fulfill the OSSLT literacy requirement by successfully completing the OLC in grade 12 What happens after the test?

Do your very best… and good luck!