OSSLT The Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test

What is the OSSLT? A provincial test of reading and writing skills Based on the reading and writing skills across all subject areas up to the end of grade 9 A diploma requirement for graduation from high school

When is the Literacy Test? Thursday, March 27, 2014 Light refreshments will be provided to you at 8:00 a.m. in the cafeteria The test begins promptly at 8:35 a.m.

Where is the test? In classrooms throughout the school and the library Check the lists posted in the Atrium and in Guidance for your name and test location If you have a question or problem, see Mr. Mcleod (V.P.) in the main office ASAP

Schedule/Structure 8:00 Juice and Muffins in Cafeteria 8:25 All students must be in their testing room 8: :00 Supervising Teacher Reads Test Instructions & Students Write Booklet minutes 10:00 – 10:15 Break -15 minutes 10:15 – 11:45Students Write Booklet minutes & Questionnaire – 10 minutes 11:45Students Writing Dismissed

Break Your break will take place on the same floor as you are writing the OSSLT Water and granola bars will be provided You will begin writing Booklet 2 promptly after 15 minutes. Don't be late!

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 less than 30 minutes late… You will be allowed to write Instructions will not be repeated No extra time will be given

If you arrive more than 30 minutes late… You will not be allowed into the test room until after the break 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 Student Card -check for this now!! Blue, black pens or HB pencils for written responses and multiple choice questions An eraser A highlighter Kleenex/cough candies (if needed) Bottled water (snacks)

What not to bring… There are to be no cell phones, audio- or video- recording devices, digital music players or or text-messaging devices in the test room.

Your teacher is not allowed to provide any assistance to you Cannot re-word questions Cannot review your work or make suggestions Cannot inform you whether you are on the right track or not Students are not permitted to use a Dictionary

Reading Selections Information paragraph: ( words) News report: ( 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 ( words)

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

Reading Selections Types of Questions Multiple Choice-four options (explicit, implicit, making connections) 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 test booklets 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

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.

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

Student Answer Sheet-Multiple Choice Questions All multiple choice questions MUST be answered on the Student Answer Sheet NOT IN THE TEST BOOKLETS

What if I 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

After the Test In June, you will receive an Individual Report indicating whether or not you have passed the test Not successful? 1) you may have the opportunity to write the test again next year OR 2) you may fulfill the OSSLT literacy requirement by successfully completing the OLC

Questions/Extra Help After school on Thursday, March 20th in The Legacy Room Sign up following this session See for The Getting Ready Guide and Sample Testswww.eqao.com

Do your very best… and good luck!