October 30th, 2023
On BOTH Tuesday November 21 AND Tuesday November 28th any Grade 11 or 12 student who was previously eligible, but have not yet written the test or who have not yet been successful, will be writing the Ontario Secondary Schools Literacy Test (OSSLT). Students must successfully complete this literacy requirement for the granting of their Ontario Secondary School Diploma. All current Grade 10 students will be writing the OSSLT in the spring of 2024. All sessions of the OSSLT will be a regular school day, with a regular schedule for all other students.
Key Dates to Note:
- Oct. 30 – Nov. 3: Grade 11 and 12 students needing to write the test will be contacted by their Guidance counselor.
- Nov. 7: An information, tips and practice session will be run in the library beginning at 11:45 for ALL students who will be writing this fall. The grade Google Classrooms and the school website will also have important instructions and preparation materials posted. (Please see the “OSSLT Preparation Materials” on the home page.)
- Nov. 9 & 10: (Midterm Assessment and Evaluation Days) Students writing the test are encouraged to explore practice materials found on the OSSLT Website or on their D2L brightspace page during their asynchronous learning blocks. Virtual or in person support sessions will be available on these days as well.
- Tuesday Nov. 21: Writing of Booklet 1 – Grade 11 and 12 students writing the test will report to the library at 8:10. Booklet 1 is designed to take 65 minutes, but students may take up to 130 minutes to complete it. They will have approved absences from their morning classes.
- Tuesday Nov 28: Writing of Booklet 2 – Grade 11 and 12 students writing the test will report to the library at 8:10. Booklet 2 is designed to take 75 minutes, but students may take up to 150 minutes to complete it. They will return to class as scheduled when done.
How can I help my student prepare for the OSSLT?
Before the Test
- Encourage your student to view the information video and participate in preparation offered by the school.
- Encourage your student to review the format and tools available by previewing the practice test HERE.
- Encourage your student to access support materials by accessing their D2L Bright space page (instructions on their grade Google classroom) OR by attending a drop in session on Nov 9th or 10th.
- Students eligible for special accommodations will be contacted by the Special Education Department in advance of the test. If this applies to your student, encourage them to reach out to Preston’s Special Education Department.
The Day of the Test
- Remind your student to be on time. (8:10 in the library on each day)
- Remind your student to eat breakfast before the test.
- Ensure your student has a fully charged and working WRDSB Chromebook.
- Encourage your student to take the full amount of allotted time. The booklets are designed to take 65 or 75 minutes, but students are allowed to use up to double time on both days to complete each booklet.
- Encourage students to reread and check their work.
- Some students may want to bring a mouse or headphones
- Encourage your student to do their best
Parents and students interested in learning more about the OSSLT are invited to visit the EQAO website at https://www.eqao.com/the-assessments/osslt/. If you have any further questions please contact your student’s Guidance counselor or Vice Principal.
