OSSLT+(Ontario+Secondary+School+Literacy+Test)

Q: Must a student who started high school prior to 1999, who is applying for mature PLAR, meet the literacy requirement to graduate?
A: All students who apply for mature PLAR will receive the graduation diploma under the OSS requirements and must therefore meet the literacy requirement for graduation. This may be done by writing the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT); or by taking the Ontario Literacy Course (OLC30/40). The OLC30/40 can count as one of the two senior level compulsory English credits required to meet the graduation requirements. The literacy requirement, however, does not have to be met by those students who began high school in September 1999.

Q: When can a student write the OSSLT?
A: The opportunity to write the literacy test is but once a year. Every student in Ontario writes on the same day at the time and place designated by your Continuing Education department/School Board. The designated dates can be found on the EQAO site. ([|www.eqao.com])

===Q: What can we do if our student has missed the test date but has met all other graduation requirements and needs their diploma before the next test date and before the next opportunity to take the course.=== A: All boards should have an adjudication process in place for the OSSLT. Check with your board to find out what this process is. (See memo from Director, Curriculum and Assessment Policy Branch, Ministry of Education, April 19, 2010)

Q: How can we prepare students for this test?
A: Materials are available on the EQAO website under the linke for Student Resources. [|www.eqao.com]

Resources:
April 2009 Test Booklets:

Bank Answer Sheet:

Checklist and Rubrics for Writing Paragraphs:

Rubrics and Graded Examples:

Tips for Writing an Opinion: Getting Ready for OSSLT - Literacy Test Primer:

Check list of instructions for principals. Important information and resources for running the OSSLT in your school.