1. Sutton Lanarduzzi Kenefick Bryan, C STAGE Courneya Magnus Earle, E
Ochran
Gandhi
Paterson
Jasquith
Sung
Kanurkas
Sutton
Lanarduzzi
Kenefick
Bryan, C

2. ONTARIO SECONDARY SCHOOL LITERACY TEST
Thursday, March 26, 2015
8:20 a.m.

3. ONTARIO SECONDARY SCHOOL LITERACY TEST (OSSLT)
All students working toward an Ontario Secondary School Diploma are required to write the OSSLT in Grade 10.
Successful completion of the OSSLT is a graduation requirement. If you are not successful you can write the test again or take the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course.

4. About the test
All grade 10 students (and second time writers) will write the literacy test on Thursday March 8:30 a.m.
You must pass the test in order to graduate
A 70% is required for a “pass” or Level 3 which is considered the provincial standard
If you do not pass the test you can re-write the test or take the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course

5. About the test continued
The OSSLT is a provincial test of literacy (reading and writing) skills students have acquired by Grade 10. It is based on the literacy skills expected in The Ontario Curriculum across all subject areas up to the end of Grade 9.

6. About the test continued
The Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) has reading and writing activities
The questions can be: multiple choice, short writing tasks and long writing tasks
You will also write a News Report and a Series of Paragraphs (an essay)
There are two booklets
Each booklet is 75 minutes long
You will have a 15 minute break in between booklets
We provide you with a drink and snack during the break!!

7. NEW LAYOUT for 2015
Each Booklet comes with a QUESTIONS book and a ANSWERS book
You will record ALL your answers in the ANSWERS BOOKLET.
Don’t write anything in the QUESTIONS book- it will not be marked!
You have 75 minutes for Booklet 1 and then you will have a 15 minute break

8. What is the day going to look like…
Time
What is going on? Where should I be? What should I do?
8:00 – 8:30
Snacks and beverages in the main foyer
8:30
Get to your room and wait in the hall to be let in
Instructions for writing the test from over the PA and start of test
8:40 – 10:00
Completion of Booklet 1
10:00 – 10:15
Break – Remaining snacks and beverages will be served
10:15 – 11:30
Completion of Booklet 2
11:30 – 11:40
Completion of Student Questionnaire
11:40
OSSLT is complete
11:40-11:45
Exit the building
*English Language Learner Students and Special Education students are entitled to extra time. The times for these students will be different.

9. What is on the test? Reading Selections Information Paragraph
News Report
Dialogue
Real-life Narrative
Graphic Text
Types of Questions
Multiple Choice
Open Response (Six lines of writing)

10. What is on the test? Writing Selections Long Writing Tasks
News Report (One page; a headline and photo will be given)
Series of Paragraphs Expressing and Opinion (two pages, or 5 paragraphs). Example: Are famous people good role models for young people?
Short Writing Tasks
6 lines of writing
Multiple Choice Questions

11. Written Answers Write in Blue or Black ink.
The lined space indicates the length of the writing expected. Write on every line.
There is space for Rough Notes. Nothing you write in this space will be scored.

12. What to bring?
1. Pencil with an eraser (for Multiple Choice) 2. Black or Blue Pen or Pencil (for Written Answers) 3. Bottled water is permitted

13. What NOT to bring?
1. NO electronic devices (cell phone, ipod, etc.) 2. NO food or drink (only water) 3. NO dictionary or notes to help you with the test

14. CAUTION
EQAO is an important assessment and ANY evidence of academic dishonest (cheating) is taken very seriously by the school and by the Ministry of Education
EQAO looks for patterns of correct and incorrect answers- if your answers are very similar to another person it is possible that your results will be held back until an investigation is completed to determine if cheating occurred- don’t take any chances!

15. Results
Your test is sent to the Ministry of Education’s EQAO office to be marked.
Your result should be included in your June report card.
Individual Student Report:
“Successful or Unsuccessful”

16. Steps to Success
1. Read all the instructions carefully. 2. Underline key words so that you are clear on what is expected. 3. Answer all questions. 4. Stay on topic for written answers. 5. Write in complete sentences with correct spelling, grammar and punctuation. 6. Don’t get discouraged if you can’t complete a question. Do your best and move on to another question.

17. You will not be allowed to ask any questions during the test.

18. Help Sessions
Help sessions will be offered starting Tuesday March 10- March 25 in the Centennial Room during lunch and afterschool.
Come and ask questions, have teachers review your practice answers... Etc.

19. TEST DAY Know your room location Arrive to school by 8:00 am.
Your room location will be on a personalized letter you will receive tomorrow
Test room locations will also be posted on the Literacy Board in front of the library.
Arrive to school by 8:00 am.
Bring a pencil and pen. No white-out.
Use the time provided. You cannot leave early. Review your answers if time permits.
Get a good night’s sleep.
Eat breakfast.

21. Who wants a prize?
What time should you be at school?
8:00 a.m.

22. Who wants a prize? What 3 things should/can you bring to the test?
1. Pen
2. Pencil with eraser
3. Water

23. Who wants a prize? What 3 things are you NOT allowed to bring?
1. NO electronic devices (cell phone, ipod, etc.)
2. NO food or drink (only water)
3. NO dictionary or notes to help you with the test

24. Who wants a prize?
Where can you check for your room location if you forget or loose your personalized letter?
Literacy Board in front of the library

25. Who wants a prize? When and where are the help sessions?
March in the Centennial Room

26. Who wants a prize?
When is the literacy test?
Thursday March 26, 2015

27. GOOD LUCK!