Curriculum » Literacy

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. 
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.
OSSLT Dates
The administration of the OSSLT will take place twice each school year:
  1. Late November, with individual student results reported by end of January.
  2. Mid-April, with individual student results reported by mid-June.