How to Administer the OSSLT - March 31, 2020 - MAR13 - EQAO OQRE
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Ontario Secondary School
Literacy Test (OSSLT)
31
MAR
OSSLT
School
EQAO
March 31, 2020
How to Administer the OSSLT
Contents
2 What’s NEW for 2020
4 The OSSLT
5 Important Dates
6 Professional Responsibilities for the Administration of the OSSLT
8 Principal Checklist
13 Teacher Checklist
16 Overview: Accommodations, Special Provisions, Deferrals and Exemptions
17 Accommodations Not Requiring an IEP
18 Accommodations Requiring an IEP
24 Special Provision for English Language Learners
26 Deferrals and Exemptions
28 Samples of Booklet Covers
30 Student Material Order Checklist
31 How to Resolve Issues Through the SDC System or Issues Envelopes
HOW TO ADMINISTER THE OSSLTWhat’s NEW for 2020
▸ The OSSLT will be administered on Tuesday, March 31, 2020.
▸ The following electronic formats are available this year: Read&Write for Google Chrome,
Kurzweil 3000 (version 14), Kurzweil 1000 (version 13), Word optimized for WordQ, Word
optimized for Read and Write Gold, Word (.doc), HTML, PDF and MP3 audio.
▸ Graphic text exemption: Students with a blind or low vision exceptionality indicated in their
Individual Education Plan (IEP) may be exempted from the graphic text portion of the
assessment (Section L: Reading). See page 18 for additional details.
Please see the secure portion of the EQAO website for more information.
2 HOW TO ADMINISTER THE OSSLTOSSLT
School
EQAO
Remember…
□ ALL school staff involved in the administration must read
and adhere to the “Professional Responsibilities for the Administration of the OSSLT”
in this guide.
□ All provisions outlined in this guide must be adhered to whether the student is taking
the assessment on paper or electronically. No instructional materials, including electronic
instructional applications, that facilitate responses to questions can be used. We rely on
educators to administer the assessment in accordance with EQAO guidelines and to ensure
the security and validity of the assessment.
□ Ensure all students record all of their answers—both multiple-choice and open-response—
in the appropriate Answer Booklet.
□ Do not place used Question Booklets or Answer Booklets back inside the plastic sleeves prior to
returning them.
□ All resources listed in this guide are available on the public section of the EQAO website,
www.eqao.com, unless otherwise noted.
□ Test materials must not be copied in any way or for any reason.
□ The use of cellphones, audio- or video-recording devices, or e-mail or text-messaging devices
during the test is prohibited. Exceptions may apply in accordance with EQAO guidelines.
□ There is a “Student Materials Order Checklist” in the section on accommodations, special
provisions, deferrals and exemptions. Schools are invited to make copies of this checklist in order
to identify special orders prior to entering them into the Student Data Collection (SDC) system
during Phase 1.
□ Identify students who will write in a non-local alternative location, and, at least six weeks in
advance (if possible), request permission from EQAO for them to do so. Forms will need to be
submitted ONLY when the school is requesting that EQAO deliver the student test package by
courier to a non-local address.
□ A student, at the principal’s discretion, may enrol in the Ontario Secondary School Literacy
Course (OSSLC) before the second opportunity to write the test. For more information, refer to
Ontario Schools, Kindergarten to Grade 12, Policy and Program Requirements (2016).
□ Students whose results are withheld are not eligible to enrol in the OSSLC. A withheld result
does not count as an attempt.
WHAT’S NEW FOR 2020 3The OSSLT
The following pages will guide you through every step you need to follow in order to ensure a successful
test for your students.
After the introduction, this guide is organized by date. Read it now to help you understand the
administration process, and then use the guide as a series of dated checklists to ensure you complete the
tasks on time. Private school administrators should see their school’s secure site for additional information.
The Structure of the Administration
Activity Allotted Time
Booklet 1 (Question and Answer) 75 minutes
Break 15 minutes
Booklet 2 (Question and Answer) 75 minutes
Questionnaire 10 minutes
Time
Extra Time
The majority of students will complete each booklet of the OSSLT within each of the two 75-minute sessions.
If students require additional time to complete a booklet, you may allow the additional time with supervision.
Each booklet must be completed in one continuous sitting, with or without additional time.
– A session may not be interrupted by lunch or by any other school programming. A session may include
water fountain, stretch and washroom breaks. These regular supervised breaks are not considered part
of the time allotted for the assessment.
– If a student’s IEP indicates the requirement to receive extended periodic supervised breaks, this
accommodation must be indicated in the EQAO SDC system.
4 HOW TO ADMINISTER THE OSSLTImportant Dates
Before the Test
SDC Phase 1:
February 6 to 19 Finalize information in the SDC system
(order special versions)
SDC Phase 2:
February 27 to April 1 Prepare for administration (print Student Tracking Sheets and
make required changes, e.g., add new student, delete student)
Receive printed test materials and verify that all materials
March 26 to 27
have arrived
March 27 Download assistive technology and MP3 audio
Test Date
Tuesday, March 31 Administer OSSLT 31 MAR
After the Test
Prepare material for pickup and delete all original assistive
April 1 technology files downloaded on March 27, including MP3 audio
files
Upon receipt of Individual
Delete all electronic versions of students’ work
Student Reports
IMPORTANT DATES 5Professional Responsibilities
for the Administration of the OSSLT
Principals and teachers are responsible to ensure the fair and consistent administration of the test as outlined in
this administration guide. These procedures must be followed.
Principals are responsible for ensuring that and administering the test have received training this
year and follow this year’s edition of How to Administer
▸ they and the teachers, support staff and other the OSSLT.
personnel administering the test have read this
year’s edition of How to Administer the OSSLT ▸ all test materials are kept secure prior to, during and
and board direction/policy. after the administration.
▸ all students eligible for the test are accounted for in the ▸ the locations and conditions for writing the test allow
Student Data Collection (SDC) system, including those each student to work independently of every other
writing with accommodations or a special provision, student and conform to EQAO requirements as defined
and those deferred, exempted or planning to fulfill the in How to Administer the OSSLT.
literacy requirement through the OSSLC.
▸ there is no deviation from EQAO guidelines and
▸ any student receiving an accommodation that instructions without explicit written direction from
requires an Individual Education Plan (IEP) has the relevant supervisory officer and EQAO’s Chief
an IEP that outlines the accommodations that Assessment Officer.
are necessary for and consistent with regular
▸ any breach or suspected breach of security is reported
classroom assessment practices used for the to EQAO immediately.
student. The accommodation must be consistent
with the permitted accommodations in this
guide. The student must normally receive the Before the Administration
accommodation for all forms of assessment, ▸ The receipt of all materials and types of materials
including summative assessments. ordered must be confirmed.
▸ complete and accurate information is provided to ▸ Student test packages must not be opened prior to the
EQAO through the SDC system for each student administration of the first test session.
eligible to write the test, including those writing with
▸ Only staff members administering the test may have
accommodations or a special provision, and those
access to test materials.
deferred, exempted or planning to fulfill the literacy
requirement through the OSSLC. ▸ Teachers administering the test may receive the
student test materials no earlier than the morning of
▸ complete and appropriate test materials are ordered
the administration.
for each student, using the EQAO SDC system during
Phase 1, including, if necessary, additional materials ▸ Scribes may have access to the test materials only
requested after receipt of the initial shipment. during the administration sessions.
▸ all materials necessary for the preparation for ▸ Staff preparing test materials for assistive technologies
and administration of the test are provided to all may have access to the electronic materials no earlier
participating teachers and support staff. than 48 hours prior to the start of the administration.
▸ all teachers and other personnel (e.g., scribes, ▸ Test materials must not be copied in any way for
principals themselves) participating in, preparing for any reason.
6 HOW TO ADMINISTER THE OSSLTDuring and After the Administration
▸ Only staff members administering the test may have ▸ At no point during or after the test may anything be
access to test materials. said or done to encourage or influence students to alter
or revise their responses.
▸ Student test materials are not to be removed from the
testing room during the administration. ▸ No one may read, review or correct student work
during or after the administration. This includes
▸ All classroom materials containing reading or writing copying, darkening, rewriting, editing, erasing or
content of an instructional nature that might facilitate altering student work in any way.
responses to test questions must be removed from
view or covered. ▸ Each test booklet must be completed in one
continuous session. A session may not be interrupted
▸ Only those individuals directly involved in the by lunch or by any other school programming. A
administration and testing activities (e.g., scribes) may session may include water fountain, stretch and
enter the testing room. washroom breaks.
▸ Students must be supervised at all times during ▸ After a test session has ended, booklets must not be
the administration. This includes students with returned to students for further review, correction
accommodations or a special provision and students or completion.
who are permitted additional time to complete
the test. ▸ At the end of each session and prior to the return of
materials to EQAO, the test booklets must be collected
▸ Once the test materials have been opened, no one and stored in a secure place without review.
may use information from the test to provide
instruction on any concept or item being tested prior ▸ All EQAO test materials, used or unused, must be
to, during or after the administration of the test. returned to EQAO.
▸ During the test, no one may explain, define, ▸ Any circumstances that may affect the scoring of
translate or provide examples of reading vocabulary student work (e.g., package ID number issues) or may
or writing terminology to students, including those have affected the validity of any student performance
with accommodations. (e.g., a discussion between two students during the
test) must be documented and reported to EQAO on
▸ During the test, nothing may be said or done to the Issues Envelope.
influence student responses, including, but not limited
to, actions such as drawing a student’s attention to an
unanswered question.
▸ No cellphones, audio- or video-recording devices, or
e-mail or text-messaging devices are allowed into the
testing room. Exceptions may apply in accordance with
EQAO guidelines. See page 17 for more details.
PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE OSSLT 7Principal Checklist
February 6 to 19
Finalize Student Information in SDC System, and Plan and Prepare for Test
These steps are important, because they lay the foundation for the test. The student information you enter
will determine the printing and delivery of test materials, and the delivery of accurate results.
Finalize your student information in the Student Data Collection (SDC) system, or update
the information the board has entered on your behalf. Be sure to order any necessary special
versions. Use the following guidelines:
– All students eligible for the test must be accounted for, including English language
learners, students with special education needs and students whose results were withheld
in previous years. Also account for students whose participation is to be deferred, who are
to be exempted or who have fulfilled or plan to fulfill the literacy requirement through the
OSSLC during the current school year.
– First-time eligible students are those who
• entered Grade 9 in the 2018–2019 school year or
• entered Grade 10 in the 2019–2020 school year from out of province.
– Previously eligible students are those who
• were absent or deferred for, or were unsuccessful on, one or more previous
administrations;
• were previously exempted but are now working toward an Ontario Secondary School
Diploma (OSSD);
• entered Grade 11 or 12 in the 2019–2020 school year from out of province or
• enrolled in an adult education program and began Grade 9 in or after the 2000–2001
school year.
Note: A deferral does not constitute an opportunity to write and therefore does not qualify
the student to take the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course (OSSLC).
– A mature student is one who
• was at least 18 years of age on December 31, 2019;
• was not enrolled as a regular day-school student for at least one school year immediately
before registering in a secondary school program and
• is enrolled to obtain an OSSD.
Note: Mature students may enrol directly in the OSSLC.
See the SDC Guide for Principals, 2019–2020, “Accounting and Reporting EQAO Results for
Students with Unique or Special Circumstances,” available on the secure section of EQAO’s
website, for more information.
8 HOW TO ADMINISTER THE OSSLTFebruary 6 to 19 (Cont'd)
Set the administration schedule.
□ Determine the morning start time, and schedule one break
(maximum 15 minutes).
□ Set the schedule for students being provided with additional time.
□ Plan for students who regularly receive extra time for assessments as well as students
who may require additional time on the day of the test.
Identify any students who will be away from school on test day due to extenuating
circumstances and who will need to write in a non-local alternative location.
□ At least six weeks before the test (if possible), ask EQAO for permission. Use the
“Request for Approval to Administer the OSSLT at a Non-Local Alternative Location”
form on the secure portion of the EQAO website. Forms need to be submitted ONLY
when the school is requesting that EQAO deliver the student test package by courier to
a non-local address. Forms received outside this time frame (February 6 to 19) may result
in administrative fees.
Have a meeting with your staff.
□ Make sure everyone (teachers and scribes) understands their roles and responsibilities.
□ Make sure everyone has read this guide, including the section on accommodations,
special provisions, deferrals and exemptions.
□ Share the “Planning and Preparation Guide” (available on the EQAO website).
□ Review the “Professional Responsibilities for the Administration of the OSSLT” section
of this guide.
□ Discuss accommodations and special provisions and the arrangements necessary to carry
them out. Send letters to the parents or guardians of the students, or the adult students,
receiving accommodations, a special provision or exemptions. Sample administration and
information letters are available on the secure section of the EQAO website.
□ Establish a policy for students who arrive late. (Your policy must include the rule that no
students may start Booklet 1 after the other students have completed it.)
See this guide’s sections on accommodations, special provisions, deferrals and exemptions
for more information.
Identify a secure location to store the test materials when they arrive.
Hold an information session for your students.
□ Inform them about the test (e.g., the length and layout).
□ Share the instructions using the sample test materials on the EQAO website.
□ Share the “Getting Ready Guide” (available on the EQAO website).
PRINCIPAL CHECKLIST 9Principal Checklist
February 27 to March 30
Verify Student Information and Receive Materials
It is important to ensure that you have received all of your test materials, and to order any extras necessary
for the test.
Receive your school’s materials. Check them against the packing list. Do not open individual
student packages. If a student has moved and is no longer on your school’s enrolment register,
delete the student from the SDC system. If a package has been delivered to your school for the
student, do not send the package to the student’s new school. The package must be returned
unused in your school’s return shipment following the administration of the test.
Store the materials in a secure location until they are distributed to teachers on the morning
of the test.
Using the SDC system, update your students’ information and order any additional materials
necessary.
For students using MP3 audio or assistive technology, download the file in the correct format
from the SDC system and load it onto the student’s computer on Friday, March 27. A version
of the assessment optimized for the Read&Write Google Chrome extension will be available
on the school board’s secure EQAO website at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, March 27. School boards
will be responsible for sharing the files with schools that have requested Read&Write for Google
Chrome. Only students for whom electronic formats have been ordered may use them.
Note:
– Schools who will be visited by a quality assurance monitor will be contacted during this time.
March 31: Test Day
On test day, there are important steps to carry out before, during and after the administration. As principal,
your primary responsibilities will be before and after. Appropriate preparation will encourage a successful
administration. After the administration, your focus will be collecting, accounting for and packing the test
materials for return to EQAO.
Before the test:
Print an up-to-date Student Tracking Sheet for each test room.
Distribute the test materials on the morning of administration.
Resolve any package ID problems.
If the start time of the test will be delayed more than one hour (e.g., if a bus is late), you must
get EQAO approval. Call the EQAO Information Centre: 1-888-327-7377.
10 HOW TO ADMINISTER THE OSSLTMarch 31 (Cont'd)
If a teacher administering the test is absent, choose another teacher familiar with the
administration procedures to administer it. Supervise this teacher.
Notes:
– Student responses in languages other than English will not be scored.
– Responses with offensive language may not be scored, and you may be notified
of such responses.
After the test:
Use the Student Tracking Sheets to confirm that you have received all materials from teachers.
Review written explanations from teachers regarding any issues. Resolve issues in EQAO’s SDC
system, if possible (e.g., switch packages for a pair of students).
Check your student information in the SDC system. Update it if necessary.
– If two students have mixed up their packages and written in the wrong booklets, use the
“Switch Packages” function to correct the problem. (Do not include the booklets involved
in the Issues Envelope.)
– If many students have mixed up their packages,
• print the Student Tracking Sheet;
• write in by hand the last 12 digits of the IDs of the packages the students actually used;
• call EQAO to communicate the changes that need to be made;
• fax the Student Tracking Sheet to 416-325-6622 and
• place all affected student material and a copy of the Student Tracking Sheet in the Issues
Envelope.
– Do not change booklet barcodes or ID numbers. The barcode will override
any handwritten changes to the booklet.
Delete all electronic formats of the test, including MP3 audio files, but keep all other electronic
files of student work (e.g., responses) related to the test until you receive the Individual Student
Reports.
Keep the following on file for one year:
□ Student Tracking Sheets;
□ documentation for students with accommodations, special provisions or deferrals;
□ signed consent forms for exempted students and
□ test room seating plans.
PRINCIPAL CHECKLIST 11Principal Checklist
March 31 (Cont'd)
Prepare the Special Versions Envelope for return.
□ Include only booklets containing responses typed on a computer, including those done
using Google Read&Write.
□ Ensure all student work is securely attached to the inside front cover of the corresponding
Answer Booklet, and ensure the last 12 digits of the package ID are on each page. If the
work is not treated in this manner, it may be scored incomplete or may not be scored
at all.
Prepare the Issues Envelope for return.
□ Include all materials that require EQAO’s attention for resolution (e.g., materials with
package ID problems, booklets with missing pages, notes to EQAO).
□ Provide a detailed explanation of each issue on the outside of the envelope.
Prepare the test materials for return.
□ Use the packing list to ensure that all materials are returned in the correct quantities.
Include all Special Versions Envelopes, all Issues Envelopes and all Booklet 1s and Booklet 2s
(i.e., both Question and Answer, used or unused). Ensure Answer Booklets are not inside
Question Booklets.
□ Do not use the plastic sleeves to return the used test booklets.
□ Seal the tote boxes.
□ Affix the return labels to the tote boxes, ensuring that the ID number on each label
matches the one on the box.
See “How to Resolve Issues Through the SDC System or Issues Envelope” on page 31
for more information.
April 1
On April 1, your test materials will be picked up for delivery to EQAO. There’s nothing you need to do
to schedule the pickup.
UPS will pick up the tote boxes. Record the date and tracking number.
12 HOW TO ADMINISTER THE OSSLTTeacher Checklist
February 27 to March 30
Prepare to Administer the Test
As teacher, you play the key role of administering the test. Your primary responsibility before students write
will be preparing to administer the test fairly and according to provincial guidelines.
Read this guide and the sections on accommodations, special provisions, deferrals and
exemptions.
Attend the meeting at which your principal will discuss roles and responsibilities.
Prepare a seating plan for the test room you will administer.
Prepare the test room. Cover or remove all displayed instructional materials about reading
or writing that might facilitate responses to test questions.
Refer to the Guidelines for Classroom Displays, available on the EQAO website, for examples
of instructional and non-instructional materials.
March 31: Test Day
Before the test:
Ensure a supply of blue or black pens for your students. (Pencils are also permitted.)
Receive the test materials from your principal. Do not open the individual student packages.
Check that the number of packages matches the number of students listed on the Student
Tracking Sheet.
Test Administration:
Notes:
– If there is a fire alarm or another school emergency, tell your students to leave their test
materials on their desks and to exit immediately according to the school’s emergency plan.
When the students return, instruct them to return to their desks and resume the test.
– If you encounter any other issues, notify your principal.
TEACHER CHECKLIST 13Teacher Checklist
March 31 (Cont'd)
It is essential that the procedures below be followed. If they are not, students may not receive scores.
Using the Student Tracking Sheet, hand out the packages to the students. Make sure the last
12 digits of the package ID match the last 12 digits of the number next to the student’s name
on the tracking sheet.
– If a student accidentally starts work in the incorrect package, the student should continue
to use this package for the entire test. Notify the principal to update the SDC system after
the test.
– If a package is missing, or if you have a student new to the school, use an unassigned
package or the package of an absent student. The principal should update the SDC system
using the “Switch Packages” function to reflect this change.
Ask the students to check their packages. There should be a Question Booklet 1, a Question Booklet 2,
an Answer Booklet 1 and an Answer Booklet 2 in each one.
– If a package is incomplete, use an unassigned package or the package of an absent
student only. The principal will need to update the SDC system. If the principal is unable
to update the SDC system, place the student’s materials in the Issues Envelope. If an extra
package is not available, call EQAO to request materials (1-888-327-7377).
Note that different booklets contain different field-test questions. These differences will not
affect the students’ results in any way.
Ensure there are no cellphones, audio- or video-recording devices, or e-mail or text-messaging
devices in the test room. (Exceptions may apply in accordance with EQAO guidelines.) Also be
sure the students do not use dictionaries, and that they do not copy from one another.
– If you suspect that students have violated these rules, please submit all their material in the
Issues Envelope and note the circumstances on the outside of the envelope.
Read the following script to the students (Note: if students are receiving additional time, modify
all times accordingly):
You have two 75-minute periods to complete the OSSLT. At the end of
the first 75 minutes, there will be a 15-minute break. If you finish early,
review your work and check that you have not missed any questions.
Put your Question Booklet 2 and Answer Booklet 2 face down on the
corner of your desk. Do not start Booklet 2 until after the break.
Follow along as I read the instructions for both Booklet 1s.
Use blue or black ink or a pencil to complete the test.
Once the test begins, I will not be able to answer your questions.
Are there any questions?
Start Booklet 1.
Please see samples of the booklet covers at the end of this guide.
14 HOW TO ADMINISTER THE OSSLTMarch 31 (Cont’d)
Remind students using computers as an accommodation to save their work frequently.
Remind the students when 15 minutes remains.
After 75 minutes, collect all Booklet 1s (both Question and Answer).
Use the Student Tracking Sheet to confirm that you have all the booklets.
Read the following script to the students (Note: if students are receiving additional time, modify
all times accordingly):
You are now ready to start Booklet 2. Are there any questions?
After 75 minutes, you will be given time to complete the questionnaire
at the end of the booklet.
Start Booklet 2.
Remind the students when 15 minutes remains.
After 75 minutes, announce the end of test time. Instruct the students to complete the
questionnaire at the end of Answer Booklet 2.
When the students are finished the questionnaire, collect all Booklet 2s (both Question and Answer).
Securely attach the printed responses of students who completed the test on a computer
(including those using Google Read&Write) to the inside front cover of the corresponding Answer
Booklet. Responses to Booklet 1 should be securely attached to the inside cover of Answer Booklet 1;
responses to Booklet 2 should be securely attached to the inside front cover of Answer Booklet 2.
Ensure the last 12 digits of the package ID are on each page of the student work.
Note: Ensure Answer Booklets are not inside Question Booklets.
Use the Student Tracking Sheet to ensure that you have collected all copies of all four booklets
(used or unused).
Submit the final seating plan for your room to the principal.
Provide your principal with a written explanation of any issues (e.g., missing pages, student
package ID problems, improper administration) and the booklets involved.
Return all your room’s test materials to the principal (Student Tracking Sheets, all Question and
Answer booklets and all unused test materials).
TEACHER CHECKLIST 15Overview: Accommodations, Special
Provisions, Deferrals and Exemptions
Role of the Principal
The principal is responsible for
▸ making decisions about student participation;
▸ ensuring that all accommodations, special provisions, deferrals and exemptions are provided;
▸ documenting the relevant information in the Student Data Collection (SDC) system according
to the instructions in this guide and
▸ sending an information letter to parents, guardians and adult students.
Sample administration and information letters are available on the secure section of the EQAO website,
www.eqao.com.
Definitions
Modifications: changes to the content of the test. These are not permitted, because they affect the validity
and reliability of the test.
Accommodations: changes in the way the test is administered or the way in which a student with special
education needs responds to its components. These do not alter the content of the test or affect validity
or reliability.
Special Provisions: extended periodic supervised breaks for English language learners. This change does
not affect the validity or reliability of the test.
Deferrals: decisions to postpone the writing of the test until the following year for students who are
working toward an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).
Exemptions: available for students whose Individual Education Plan (IEP) states they are not working
toward an OSSD.
Scribe: an individual who supports the accommodations the student receives on a regular basis for all forms
of assessments.
Prompts: a tap on the desk or a verbal signal (e.g., a word or phrase) to draw the student’s attention back to
the test. Prompts are used for students with severe attention problems who are at risk of being off task for
significant periods of time. Prompts do not include clarification, explanation or translation of any part of
the test and may not be used to draw the student’s attention to a specific part of the assessment.
Resources
This guide is based on the following Ministry of Education documents, available at www.edu.gov.on.ca:
▸ Special Education in Ontario, Kindergarten to Grade 12: Policy and Resource Guide (2017)
▸ English Language Learners: ESL and ELD Programs and Services: Policies and Procedures for Ontario Elementary
and Secondary Schools, Kindergarten to Grade 12 (2007)
▸ Ontario Schools, Kindergarten to Grade 12: Policy and Program Requirements (2016)
16 HOW TO ADMINISTER THE OSSLTAccommodations Not Requiring an IEP
ote: The following accommodations do not require an IEP. They are available for students who would regularly
N
access these accommodations during classroom assessments.
Type of Accommodation
Individual or small group setting
Setting
Preferential seating in an assessment room
Prompts for students with severe attention Prompts draw the student’s attention back to the assessment through either
problems who are at risk of being off task for a tap on the desk or a verbal signal (e.g., a word or phrase to redirect the
significant periods of time. student’s attention).
Prompters cannot clarify, explain or translate any part of the test or draw the
student’s attention to a specific part of the assessment.
Headphones for calming music, white noise Schools are responsible for ensuring that students are not using personal
devices for any other purpose than to listen to music or white noise.
It is recommended that students who require headphones are also provided
with an individual or small group setting.
Extra time The majority of students will complete each booklet of the OSSLT within each
of the two 75-minute sessions. If students require additional time to complete
a booklet, you may allow the additional time with supervision. Each booklet
must be completed in one continuous sitting, with or without additional time.
– A session may not be interrupted by lunch or by any other school
programming. A session may include water fountain, stretch and
washroom breaks. These regular supervised breaks are not considered
part of the time allotted for the assessment.
– If a student’s IEP indicates the requirement to receive extended periodic
supervised breaks, this accommodation must be indicated in the EQAO
SDC system.
ACCOMMODATIONS NOT REQUIRING AN IEP 17Accommodations Requiring an IEP
Permitted Accommodations for
Students with Special Education Needs
The student Accommodation decisions must be
□ has an IEP that outlines – based on the student’s IEP;
accommodations that are necessary – consistent with regular classroom practice, including
for and consistent with regular assessments;
classroom practice and
– consistent with this guide;
□ receives these accommodations
– made prior to the test;
for all forms of assessment.
– made for each student individually and
– made in consultation with the student and parents or
guardians or the adult student, and with the appropriate
teaching staff.
Type of Accommodation
Setting (adjustments to environment)
Assistive devices or adaptive equipment Permitted: special lighting, special pens or pencil grips, and devices for supporting the
student’s arm for printing, writing or keyboarding.
Time
Extended periodic supervised breaks Breaks are not considered part of the time allotted for the test.
Graphic Text
Graphic text exemption Students with a blind or low vision exceptionality indicated in the IEP may be exempted
from the graphic text portion of the assessment (Section L: Reading).
Presentation Format (formats for administration of test)
Sign language or oral interpreter Interpreters can translate the English text into American sign language (ASL) and
student responses from ASL into written English for the test.
An oral interpreter mouths words so the student can lip-read.
Braille versions Available: contracted and uncontracted Unified English Braille (UEB).
Students may have access to both the Braille and the MP3
audio version.
Large print
Colour white, blue, green, yellow (regular or large print)
18 HOW TO ADMINISTER THE OSSLTAAA
Type of Accommodation (cont’d)
Presentation Format (formats for administration of test) cont’d
Audio MP3 files—Available for download at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, March 27.
Assistive technology format Kurzweil (1000 and 3000), Word, HTML, PDF, WordQ and Read and Write Gold available
for download (as Zip files) at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, March 27. A set of regular-print
booklets will also be sent to the school for the student.
A link to Read&Write for Google Chrome will be available on the school board’s secure
EQAO website at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, March 27. School boards will be responsible for
sharing the files with schools that have requested this version.
Writing only—Verbatim reading of writing questions and prompts
Response Format (permitted formats for student responses)
Use of technology: for example, a Word processor, speech synthesizer, Brailler, speech-to-text software or augmentative
computer, word processor or other device or alternative communications systems.
Type the last 12 digits of the package ID at the top of each page of the computer printout.
Preferred font: 12-point Arial;
Note: Preferred font size and Paper: letter-size with 3 cm margins
recommended length of response – News report: ¾ page double-spaced (18 typed lines)
should be posted for students. – Series of paragraphs expressing an opinion: 1½ pages double-spaced
(36 typed lines)
– Open-response reading and short writing tasks: four lines double-spaced
Audio recording of responses Verbatim transcription must be provided. Ensure that the last 12 digits of the
package ID are on the top of each page of the transcription.
Verbatim scribing of responses – Print or type exactly what the student dictates.
– Fill in the circles for multiple-choice responses in the Answer Booklets as directed
by the student.
– Assume each sentence begins with a capital and ends with a period.
– Read the dictation back to the student if requested.
– After the student has finished working, show the student the transcription and
ask if any corrections are necessary. (The scribe may erase, cross out or make
corrections according to the student’s directions.)
DO NOT
– review the test prior to administration.
– edit or alter the student’s dictation in any way, except at the student’s request.
– alert the student to mistakes.
– prompt the student in any way other than the methods described on page 17.
– initiate the use of test-taking strategies.
– show any reaction to the student’s responses.
– correct the student’s responses.
– engage in incidental conversation with the student or others.
Reading only—Video recording Verbatim transcription must be provided. Ensure that the last 12 digits of the
of responses package ID are on the top of each page of the transcription.
ACCOMMODATIONS REQUIRING AN IEP 19Accommodations Requiring an IEP
Permitted Accommodations for
Students with Special Education Needs (cont’d)
Additional Information
□ Scribes must be adults. A scribe cannot be a relative of the student.
□ All booklets or sessions must be completed by the end of the administration day.
□ Time to read the instructions, for supervised breaks and to answer the questionnaire is not
considered part of the time allotted for the student to complete the test.
□ Variations in the pronunciation or inflection of words and phrases may occur due to the variety
of software formats, speech engines and computer systems. Revisions may be made by the school
to rectify such variations, providing that no change is made to any content.
□ nsure that computers have sufficient memory to accommodate the electronic formats, that
E
students’ work is saved frequently and that it can be printed. EQAO recommends printing student
work after each session.
□ or ease of use, the audio, Braille and assistive-technology formats will not be presented as
F
separate Question and Answer booklets. Although students will receive printed booklets, PDFs that
will match the audio, Braille and assistive-technology formats will be available for download from
the secure site at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, March 27. All responses printed from a computer will
need to be securely attached to the inside front cover of the appropriate Answer Booklet and
returned in the Special Versions Envelope.
Please see “How to Return Computer Responses to EQAO” on pages 22–23 for instructions on
returning responses printed from a computer or other technology (e.g., speech-to-text software),
and verbatim transcriptions of audio- or video-recorded responses on loose sheets.
Documentation
▸ Record accommodations in the SDC system.
▸ A copy of the information letter from the principal to the parents or guardians or adult student outlining
the accommodations must be kept on file at the school for one year.
20 HOW TO ADMINISTER THE OSSLTRequests for Special Consideration of Accommodations
Accommodations listed in this guide
The student Request considerations from supervisory officer
□ requires an accommodation not – The parent, guardian, adult student or principal may submit a request
described in the IEP for consideration to the supervisory officer.
OR – The decision of the supervisory officer is final.
□ does not have an IEP, due to a
recent transfer into the school
from another jurisdiction
OR
□ would not normally require – The principal may grant permission for the use of appropriate
accommodations but has a accommodations.
temporary condition (e.g., a – Consider a deferral if it is not possible to provide the
broken arm). accommodations.
– If a parent, guardian or adult student disagrees with a decision,
request consideration from the supervisory officer.
– The decision of the supervisory officer is final.
Accommodations NOT listed in this guide
The student Request permission from EQAO
□ requires other accommodations By March 24, send a letter or e-mail message to
described in the IEP. Chief Assessment Officer
Education Quality and Accountability Office
2 Carlton Street, Suite 1200
Toronto ON M5B 2M9
E-mail: info@eqao.com
Include the following:
– student’s full name
– student’s date of birth
– student’s OEN
– written or e-mail request for special consideration from the parents,
guardians, adult student or principal
– description of previous implementation of the student’s IEP
– brief description of the documentation that identifies the student’s
special education needs
ACCOMMODATIONS REQUIRING AN IEP 21Computer Printout
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Mauris nec pretium neque. Quisque nec enim
eu velit commodo mattis eu id turpis. Etiam malesuada elementum urna, ut malesuada massa faucibus
a. In fringilla pharetra magna, a porttitor ante consectetur eu. Vivamus finibus metus lorem, vel viverra
Accommodations
diam dapibus sit amet. Aenean ante lorem, aliquam a justo at, convallis elementum massa. Nam ut
convallis massa, eu ultricies enim. Aenean vel feugiat turpis, et laoreet eros. Pellentesque nec sem
eget augue tincidunt dictum nec id nibh. Aliquam eleifend, dolor imperdiet laoreet pharetra, eros elit
congue arcu, sit amet dictum mi felis non enim. Vestibulum pharetra nulla nulla, in consequat purus
pharetra eu. Sed commodo elit et ante fermentum, pharetra sollicitudin massa cursus. Duis ultrices ut
purus nec dictum. Sed elit lectus, elementum quis finibus at, condimentum nec mauris. Aenean max-
imus aliquet magna. Nullam viverra malesuada libero vitae mollis. Phasellus ut luctus ex, a hendrerit
How to Return Computer Responses to EQAO
arcu. In dictum lorem vitae volutpat semper. Maecenas tempor leo odio, eget venenatis nunc maximus
sit amet. Pellentesque feugiat, libero eget consectetur porta, quam metus euismod urna, id semper mi
ex sit amet eros. Aliquam sed enim congue, euismod metus ullamcorper, pretium tellus. Proin eu nisl
quam. Etiam convallis magna nec sapien malesuada dictum. Sed tempus fringilla mauris.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet
Nulla facilisi. Fusce et quam arcu. Sed vel augue sit amet risus tincidunt rhoncus. Donec rutrum tem-
pus aliquam. Donec tincidunt purus et enim euismod tempus. Donec quis mollis sapien, eu sceleris-
Before the test, type the last 12 digits
1
que neque. Donec lacinia aliquet tempor. Nullam quis convallis ligula. Ut eleifend consectetur ex, ac 555555 10 1050 11XXX_A
pulvinar odio. Suspendisse egestas mauris nibh, vel venenatis dui pretium eu. Curabitur non nulla Booklet 1
of the package ID at the top of
ligula. Vivamus eget nulla felis. Quisque condimentum efficitur libero, sed ornare orci interdum at.Computer Printout 821 11201 00 555555 10 2010
ANSWERS
Curabitur vestibulum semper feugiat. Nunc ultrices maximus finibus. Maecenas pellentesque, risus id
each page.
gravida consectetur, enim nunc hendrerit leo, ac tincidunt leo risus non justo. Sed sodales urna risus,
volutpat pulvinar ante tincidunt in. Aliquam et enim et dui viverra rhoncus. Praesent vestibulum metus
vitae aliquet ornare. Nam ut quam nibh. Morbi in congue enim. Pellentesque ullamcorper mauris a dui Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) April 2018
imperdiet porttitor. Proin eu ex pretium, finibus augue sit amet, faucibus magna. Maecenas ultricies
quam facilisis, facilisis lacus vitae, malesuada enim. Pellentesque sollicitudin sem lorem, ut convallis INSTRUCTIONS
Attempt all questions. If you leave a question blank,
tortor consequat vitae. Suspendisse sagittis rhoncus odio. Aliquam in tortor dui. Class aptent taciti the question will be scored zero.
Use only pencil or blue or black pen.
sociosqu ad litora torquent per conubia nostra, per inceptos himenaeos. Praesent at semper magna.
Ensure that all text is legible
2
Answering Multiple-Choice Questions
Aliquam vel arcu non risus luctus rhoncus et a libero. Integer metus eros, auctor ut ante et, consectetur Choose the best or most correct answer for each question.
To indicate your answer, fill in the circle completely, as
pretium ante. Donec mollis nunc dui, venenatis sodales urna volutpat vel. Nulla facilisi. Vivamus eget shown below.
and that all multiple-choice
nulla felis. Quisque condimentum efficitur libero, sed ornare orci interdum at. Curabitur vestibulum
Like this: Not like this:
I fyoufillinmorethanonecircleforaquestion,thequestion
will be scored incorrect.
semper feugiat. Nunc ultrices maximus finibus. Maecenas pellentesque, risus id gravida consectetur,
Provide ALL
responses are clearly
To change a multiple-choice answer, erase or cross out your
answerandfillinthecircleforyournewanswer.Ensure your answers to
thatyourfinalanswerisclear. multiple-choice and
enim nunc hendrerit leo, ac tincidunt leo risus non justo. Sed sodales urna risus, volutpat pulvinar ante Answering Open-Response Questions
open-response questions
in this booklet.
tincidunt in. Aliquam et enim et dui viverra rhoncus. Praesent vestibulum metus vitae aliquet ornare.
indicated. Use 12 pt Arial For the writing sections, pay attention to clarity, Space is available for
organization, spelling, grammar and punctuation. rough notes.
Nam ut quam nibh. Morbi in congue enim. Pellentesque ullamcorper mauris a dui imperdiet porttitor. The lined space in this booklet indicates the approximate
length of the response expected.
Proin eu ex pretium, finibus augue sit amet, faucibus magna. Maecenas ultricies quam facilisis, facilisis
font.
lacus vitae, malesuada enim. Pellentesque sollicitudin sem lorem, ut convallis tortor consequat vitae. You are now ready to start the test.
Suspendisse sagittis rhoncus odio. Aliquam in tortor dui. Class aptent taciti sociosqu ad litora torquent
per conubia nostra, per inceptos himenaeos. Praesent at semper magna. Aliquam vel arcu non risus This is a secure document. Reproduction and/or publication of this document is strictly prohibited.
luctus rhoncus et a libero. Integer metus eros, auctor ut ante et, consectetur pretium ante. Donec mollis
nunc dui, venenatis sodales urna volutpat vel. 1
1
Print all student work (including that
3 555555 10 1050 Section B Writing page 3
done using Google Read&Write). Ensure Computer Printout Read the questions in Question Booklet 1 before providing your answers here.
Multiple-Choice
that the pages are numbered and are in 1
2
A
F
B
G
C
H
D
J
order, and that each section and question 3
4
A
F
B
G
C
H
D
J
5 A B C D
number is identified. Print the pages ROUGH NOTES
Use the space below for rough notes. Nothing you write in this space will be scored.
double-sided if possible.
Securely attach the Booklet 1 responses to
4
the inside front cover of Answer Booklet 1;
securely attach the Booklet 2 responses to 1
This is a secure document. Reproduction and/or publication of this document is strictly prohibited.
the inside front cover of Answer Booklet 2. 821 11201 00 555555 10 01 50
2 Carlton Street, Suite 1200 2, rue Carlton, bureau 1200
Toronto ON M5B 2M9 Toronto (Ontario) M5B 2M9
Telephone: 1-888-327-7377 Téléphone : 1 888 327-7377
Fax: 416-325-0831 Télécopieur : 416 325-0831
Web site: www.eqao.com Site Web : www.oqre.on.ca
Include only Answer Booklets
5
containing responses typed on a Special Versions Envelope Enveloppe des versions spéciales
2 Carlton Street, Suite 1200 2, rue Carlton, bureau 1200
Toronto ON M5B 2M9 Toronto (Ontario) M5B 2M9
Telephone: 1-888-327-7377 Téléphone : 1 888 327-7377
Fax: 416-325-0831 Télécopieur : 416 325-0831
Web site: www.eqao.com Site Web : www.oqre.on.ca
computer in the Special Versions
Special Versions Envelope Enveloppe des versions spéciales
Envelope. Do not include blank
School Contact Information Coordonnées de l’école
School Contact Information Coordonnées de l’école
booklets or booklets containing School Name: _______________________________________________________ Nom de l’école : ____________________________________________________
only written answers. School Name: _______________________________________________________ Nom de l’école : ____________________________________________________
Principal Name: _____________________________________________________
Nom de la directrice
ou du directeur : ____________________________________________________
Telephone Number: ( ) ____________________________________ Numéro de téléphone : ( ) ________________________________
Nom de la directrice
Principal Name: _____________________________________________________
Please refer to the guides forou duinformation
additional directeur
on : ____________________________________________________
Veuillez vous référer aux guides pour obtenir
how to use this envelope. des renseignements additionnels sur l’utilisation
de cette enveloppe.
Telephone Number: ( ) ____________________________________ Numéro de téléphone : ( ) ________________________________
Include ONLY the following: N’inclure QUE les documents suivants :
• printed computer responses stapled to the • les réponses écrites à l’ordinateur agrafées
corresponding student answer booklets aux cahiers de réponses de l’élève
22 HOW TO ADMINISTER THE OSSLT • typed transcriptions of audio or video
responses stapled to the corresponding
correspondants;
• les transcriptions dactylographiées des
Please refer to the guides for additional information on Veuillez vous référer auxfourniesguides
student answer booklets
réponses pour
par enregistrement sonore obtenir
ou vidéo agrafées aux cahiers de réponses
• Braille answers stapled to the
how to use this envelope. corresponding student des
answer renseignements
booklets additionnels sur l’utilisation
de l’élève correspondants;
• les réponses en braille agrafées aux cahiers
• USB flash drives and corresponding
de réponses de l’élève correspondants;How to Return Computer Responses to EQAO (cont’d)
Return of Materials
▸ Retain a copy of the electronic student responses to the test until the Individual Student Reports are
received.
▸ Place the verbatim transcriptions of audio- or video-recorded responses (securely attach these loose
sheets to the inside front cover of the corresponding booklet) in the Special Versions Envelope. Do not
return USB devices.
▸ Place all materials that require EQAO’s attention for resolution in the Issues Envelope, and document
the issue in detail on the outside of the envelope.
ACCOMMODATIONS 23Special Provision for
English Language Learners
The student Make special provision decisions
is an English language learner as defined – prior to the test;
by English Language Learners: ESL and ELD – for each student individually and
Programs and Services: Policies and Procedures
– in consultation with the student and parents or
for Ontario Elementary and Secondary Schools,
guardians, or the adult student, and with the appropriate
Kindergarten to Grade 12 (2007).
teaching staff.
Section 2.9.3 of English Language Learners states, “English language learners should take the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test when they have
acquired the level of proficiency in English required for success.”
Type of Special Provision
Time
Extended periodic supervised breaks Breaks are not considered part of the time allotted for the test.
Return of Materials
▸ Place all materials that require EQAO’s attention for resolution in the Issues Envelope, and document
the issue on the outside of the envelope.
24 HOW TO ADMINISTER THE OSSLTAdditional Information
□ nglish language learners who have special education needs and an IEP are entitled to
E
accommodations listed under “Permitted Accommodations for Students with Special Education
Needs” in this guide.
□ All booklets or sessions must be completed by the end of the administration day.
□ Time to read the instructions, for supervised breaks and to answer the questionnaire is not
considered part of the time allotted for the student to complete the test.
□ The audio version of the test is available only to English language learners who have special
education needs and an IEP that indicates the audio accommodation.
□ Refer to Ontario Schools, Kindergarten to Grade 12: Policy and Program Requirements (2016).
Documentation
▸ Record special provisions in the SDC system.
▸ A copy of the information letter from the principal to the parents or guardians or adult student outlining
the special provision must be kept on file at the school for one year.
SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS 25Deferrals and Exemptions
Deferrals
The student Make deferral decisions
is working toward an OSSD but will not participate in the test, because – prior to the test;
□ the student is an English language learner and has not yet acquired – for each student individually
a level of proficiency in English sufficient to participate; and
□ the student has been identified as exceptional by an Identification, – in consultation with the student
Placement and Review Committee and would not be able to and parents or guardians or the
participate in the test even if all accommodations were provided; adult student, and with the
□ the student has not yet acquired the reading and writing skills appropriate teaching staff.
appropriate for Grade 9 or
□ the student has a temporary condition owing to illness or injury
(e.g., a broken arm) or is new to the school, and appropriate
accommodations cannot be provided.
Additional Information
□
Participation may be deferred only until the next administration. If a deferral is required again,
the process must be followed again.
□ There is no limit to the number of deferrals a student may be granted, but the student must be
advised that a deferral will result in fewer opportunities to take the test.
□ A deferral is not considered an opportunity to write. An opportunity to write the test means the
student has “put pen to paper.”
□ Test materials will not be shipped or available for deferred students.
□ If an adult student or parent or guardian disagrees with the principal’s decision, the supervisory
officer will make a final decision.
□ Refer to Ontario Schools, Kindergarten to Grade 12: Policy and Program Requirements (2016).
Documentation
▸ Deferrals must be recorded in the SDC system.
▸ A letter from the principal and all other documentation related to the decision to grant a deferral must
be kept on file at the school for one year.
26 HOW TO ADMINISTER THE OSSLTExemptions
The student Make exemption decisions
is not working toward an OSSD – prior to the test;
(and this is indicated in the IEP). – for each student individually and
– in consultation with the student and parents or guardians or adult
student, with the appropriate teaching staff and with the consent of
the parents or guardians or adult student.
Additional Information
□ an adult student wishes to write the test, or the parents or guardians want their child to write,
If
the student must be allowed to write.
□ If the learning expectations for the student are revised and the student begins to work toward
an OSSD, the literacy requirement in order to receive a diploma will apply.
□ Test materials will not be shipped or available for exempted students.
□ Refer to Ontario Schools, Kindergarten to Grade 12: Policy and Program Requirements (2016).
Documentation
▸ Exemptions must be recorded in the SDC system.
▸ A copy of the signed information letter must be kept on file in the school for one year.
DEFERRALS AND EXEMPTIONS 27Samples of Booklet Covers
Sample: Question Booklet
11XXX_Q
Booklet 1 821 11201 00 555555 10 2010
QUESTIONS
Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) March 2019
Follow along as your teacher reads the
instructions.
✔ Check the identification numbers of the Question and
Answer booklets to see that the final 12 digits all match.
If they do not, report the problem to the teacher in charge.
✔ Check the pages of your Question and Answer booklets
to see that they are in order. If they are not, report the
problem to the teacher in charge.
Note:
You are not permitted to use cellphones, audio- or video-
recording devices, or e-mail or text-messaging devices during
the assessment. Exceptions may apply in accordance with
EQAO guidelines.
No work in this booklet
will be scored.
Continue to follow along as your teacher
reads the directions on the cover of
Answer Booklet 1.
This is a secure document. Reproduction and/or publication of this document is strictly prohibited.
28 HOW TO ADMINISTER THE OSSLTYou can also read
