Literacy
It is essential for our students to continually deepen their reading, writing, speaking and thinking skills in all subject areas. At St. John, we have had an ongoing initiative for many years to assist students in developing reading strategies. Our Grade 10 Open and Applied classrooms receive targeted instruction in reading strategies to improve their chances of successfully completing the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test.
The Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT)
The OSSLT measures whether students are meeting the minimum standard for literacy across all subjects up to the end of Grade 9. Successful completion of the literacy test is one of the requirements to earn an Ontario Secondary School Diploma.
The literacy graduation requirement has been restored beginning with students graduating in the 2022–2023 school year. Students graduating in 2022–2023 are required to meet the literacy graduation requirement. All students in Grades 10 and 11 and non-graduating students, including those who are learning remotely, must also work toward the literacy graduation requirement by participating in the OSSLT or completing the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course (OSSLC).
To provide maximum flexibility for students to acquire the literacy graduation requirement, particularly for students enrolled in remote learning, students can be enrolled in the OSSLC without having attempted the OSSLT in 2022–2023.
What to expect on the OSSLT from EQAO on Vimeo.
OSSLT Practice Test
Students have the opportunity to become familiar with the online test and its platform through EQAO’s online practice test. The online practice test comprises two sessions, which include content from previous tests. The practice test is equivalent to the two sessions students will be completing during the live test. In addition, the practice test includes an introductory session that allows students to become familiar with the new online platform’s tools and functions.
Students have the opportunity to become familiar with the online test and its platform through EQAO’s online practice test. The online practice test comprises two sessions, which include content from previous tests. The practice test is equivalent to the two sessions students will be completing during the live test. In addition, the practice test includes an introductory session that allows students to become familiar with the new online platform’s tools and functions.
OSSLT Dates
The administration of this year's OSSLT will take place twice this school year:
- Monday, November 28th to Wednesday, November 30th, 2022, with individual student results reported by end of January 2023.
- Tuesday, April 11th to Friday, April 14th, 2023, with individual student results reported by mid-June 2023.