April 5th, 2023

What is the OSSLT?

The Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) measures whether students are meeting the minimum standard for literacy across all subjects up to the end of Grade 9. This year, the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) is offering a computer-based online OSSLT to eligible students across the province. Successful completion of this literacy test is one of the requirements to earn an Ontario Secondary School Diploma.

The test consists of two parts;

Part 1 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. 

Part 2 focuses on reading comprehension and writing skills.  Students read 2 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?

On Monday, April 24th and Tuesday, April 25th all grade 10 students will write the literacy test during period A in their homeroom classes. 

How will the test be administered?

Students will use their board-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
  • All students will be provided with enough time to finish the test.

All students will also have access to virtual breathing exercises, reminders of test-taking strategies, and other minds-on activities to help them as they take the modernized OSSLT.

How can I help my student prepare for the OSSLT?

Before the Test

  • Encourage your student to complete the board provided OSSLT prep materials found here 
  • Encourage your student to review the format and tools available by previewing the practice test
  • Encourage your student to try the practice test which can be found at: https://d1c1qqn86e6v14.cloudfront.net/#/en/student/osslt-assessment
  • Encourage your student to sign up for additional prep sessions with a teacher during the instructional support days (April 18th/19th) by completing this form.
  • If you have any questions please reach out to your homeroom teacher or vice principal.

The Day of the Test

  • Remind the student to be on time
  • Remind your student to bring in their fully charged board provided Chromebook. 
  • 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