February 21st, 2025

On March 18 & 19 and 26 & 27 all Grade 10 students who are taking English semester 2 will write the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) during the spring administration.  We are setting these times so all students have 150 minutes of writing time if needed.  Students who were previously eligible, but have not yet written the test, or were unsuccessful on their first attempt, will also have an opportunity to write. Students must successfully complete this literacy requirement for the granting of their Ontario Secondary School Diploma. 

Key Dates to Note:

    • March (time varies) Periods A, B, C, and D – Grade 10s will be writing the practice test. Instructions will be shared in their English classes.
    • March (time varies) A, B, C, and D – All students writing the test will learn how to write the literacy test using their Chromebooks.
    • March 18 Literacy Test Day (session 1) for students who have an English class in block D.
    • March 19 Literacy Test Day (session 2) for students who have an English class in block D.
    • March 26 Literacy Test Day (session 1) for students who have English classes in block A, B or C.
    • March 27 Literacy Test Day (session 2) for students who have English classes in block A, B or C.
    • March 26 Literacy Test Day for Previously Eligible and e-learning students. They will write both sessions in the morning on this day (session 1 and session 2).

How can I help my student prepare for the OSSLT?

Before the Test

  • Encourage your student to participate in preparation offered by the school.
  • 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 HERE. 
  • Students eligible for special accommodations will be contacted by the Special Education Department in advance of the test.

The Day of the Test

  • Remind your student to be on time to their English class.
  • Ensure your student has a fully charged Chromebook.
  • Encourage your student to take the full amount of allotted time. Each booklet is designed to take 60-75 minutes, but students are allowed to use up to 150 minutes to complete each booklet. They will be given another space to continue to write. 
  • Encourage students to reread and check their work.
  • Some students may want to bring a mouse or headphones.
  • Encourage students to do their best.
  • Remind students to bring a book or asynchronous work to occupy their left over time.

Parents and students interested in learning more about the OSSLT are invited to visit the EQAO website at https://www.eqao.com/the-assessments/osslt/.  If you have any further questions please contact your guidance counsellor or vice principal.