April 13th, 2022
2021-22 Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test: Spring Session
On Thursday, May 5, Grade 10 students will write the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT), as well as some grade 11 and non-graduating grade 12 students who were absent/unsuccessful on a prior OSSLT test and are required to complete this graduation requirement.
For the 2021-22 school year, grade 10, 11 and non-graduating grade 12 students will be provided with the opportunity to fulfill their literacy graduation requirement. The common way students earn this literacy requirement is by writing the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT). As an alternative for our grade 11 and 12 students, the literacy course is also an option for the literacy graduation requirement. The past two years our students have not been able to write this test due to the pandemic and the Ministry of Education has restarted the OSSLT again this year.
What is the OSSLT?
The Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test is a single event that allows a student to pass their literacy requirement. The test consists of two parts; Session A focuses on reading, and has three reading passages. Students complete a series of multiple choice questions and open-response questions about the content they have read. Session B focuses on reading comprehension, and writing skills. Students read two passages and complete a series of multiple choice questions. Students will also write a series of paragraphs supporting their opinion on a topic that the test has them read about.
When & where will my student write the OSSLT?
Most grade 11 and 12 students had their opportunity to complete the OSSLT during their class time in November 2021. Grade 10’s and other 11 and 12’s who were absent/unsuccessful in November will write the test on May 5.
My student is not writing the OSSLT?
Thursday, May 5 is a Blended Learning Day. Secondary students who are writing the OSSLT will attend in-person. The remaining secondary students will learn asynchronously from home. Students in ACE classrooms will attend in-person.
What if my student is graduating this school year?
Graduating Grade 12’s have been exempted from the literacy requirement this year, and do not have to do the test, course or adjudication.
How will the test be administered?
The test is online this year. Students will use their WRDSB provided Chromebooks to write the OSSLT. The test has many features to support students including:
- A help menu
- A text-speech function that reads the text on the screen out loud
- Zoom in and zoom out
- A line reader that helps students focus on one line of text at a time
- A high-contrast view
- Annotation tools
- A tool for rough notes
How can I help my student prepare for the OSSLT?
Before the Test
- Encourage the student to participate in KCI OSSLT practice material and online practice test
- Encourage the student to review the format and tools available by previewing the practice test
- Encourage the student to try the practice test which can be found at: Practice Lit Test
- Remind the student to be on time
- Remind the student to eat before the test
- Encourage your student to do their best, knowing other ways of earning the requirement will be provided if the test doesn’t go well
The Day of the Test
- Remind the student to be on time
- Remind the student to eat before the test
- Bring their charged WRDSB Chromebook
- Encourage your student to do their best, knowing other ways of earning the requirement will be provided if the test doesn’t go well
What other ways can the literacy requirement be met besides the test?
Students can enroll in the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course (OLC4OI), or they may seek an adjudication process. Please connect with your assigned Guidance Counsellor if you have any questions or if you are in Grade 11 and 12 and wish to seek an alternative to the test.
If my student is a Secondary Remote Learning student what do they do?
Students enrolled in SRLP will not be writing the OSSLT this year. Grade 11 and non-graduating 12’s will either take the course or go through the adjudication process. Remote learning grade 10’s will be given these options next year. The remote learning students will receive direct information from their teachers, guidance counselors or remote learning administrators in the next few weeks. Please connect with these staff if you have questions or a unique concern about your student.
In order to create a positive environment that will optimize the conditions for successful completion of the OSSLT, the instructional school day for all students at KCI has been modified. The following is the schedule for May 5h:
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KCI Literacy Test Schedule (OSSLT) – Thursday, May 5 |
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| Room Location – Check the student names list in the foyer for the room location | 10 minutes | 8:10-8:20 |
| Instructions and attendance | 10 minutes | 8:20-8:30 |
| Session A (If finished early students will participate in asynchronous learning until 9:45) | 75 minutes | 8:30-9:45 |
| Extra Time (if required) | 15 minutes | 9:45-10:00 |
| Break – Cafeteria or outside | 15 minutes | 10:00-10:15 |
| Instructions and attendance | 10 minutes | 10:15-10:25 |
| Session B (If finished early students will participate in asynchronous learning until 11:50) | 75 minutes | 10:25-11:40 |
| Survey – Students may be dismissed at 11:50 | 10 minutes | 11:40-11:50 |
| Extra Time (if required) | 15 minutes | 11:50-12:05 |
| Nutrition Break – Cafeteria or outside | 40 minutes | 11:50-12:30 |
| Student Dismissal and Asynchronous Learning – Students may await school buses in the cafeteria and participate in asynchronous learning. | 100 minutes | 12:30-2:10 |
If you have further questions, please contact the KCI Main Office, 519 745 6851
