Preparing for the OSSLT Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test March 31, 2016
Definition of Literacy O for the OSSLT, literacy comprises the reading and writing skills required to understand reading selections and to communicate through a variety of written forms as expected in the Ontario Curriculum across all subjects up to the end of Grade 9.
Purpose of the OSSLT O A standardized evaluation of literacy comprehension and writing skills across the entire Ontario curriculum O The test is designed to collect an overall understanding of Ontario students abilities O The test is standardized based on: O Common age (grade 10) O Common curriculum (grade 7, 8, and 9) O Standard assessment O Impartial markers, using rigid standards
HSHS Overall Results (First Time Writers) 88 86 84 School Board 82 80 78 76 74 72 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
Test at a Glance Activity Booklet 1 (Reading and Writing) Break Booklet 2 (Reading and Writing) Questionnaire (Booklet 2) Allotted Time 75 minutes 15 minutes 75 minutes 10 minutes
The Test Day OHeld on March 31, 2016 OOnly students writing the test attend
Test Day Schedule (subject to change) 8:55 am Students proceed to test rooms 9:00 am Students admitted to test rooms and instructions are read 9:10-10:25 am Booklet 1 of the OSSLT 10:25-10:40 am Break (refreshments provided) 10:45-12:00 pm Booklet 2 of the OSSLT 12:00-12:10 pm Time for questionnaire 12:10 pm Dismissal (students with accommodations have additional time)
O O O Preparation for the Literacy Test at Henry Street Identify Students Strengths and Areas of Need O Practice Test O Look at prior years achievement Grade 9 marks, Grade 6 EQAO results O Input from teachers Develop a Plan O Students get feedback/meet with teachers Provide Supports O Literacy across the curriculum O Information sessions and final pep talk O Classroom based projects targeting specific skills O News report computer practice O Workshops on major skills (Essay, Short Paragraphs, News Report and Multiple Choice) O After school literacy support O Individualized support for students with IEP s
Accommodations As outlined on the student s IEP accommodations are available including: O Additional time O Supervised breaks O Verbatim reading of questions and prompts O Scribing O Use of technology O Other
Overview of Test Components O The test includes: O Informational text (real-life narrative): such as would be found in a Business, History, Physical Education, The Arts, or Social Sciences Class (used to gain knowledge on specific facts) O Narrative (dialogue) reading: such as would be found in an English Class (example a fictional piece used for interpretation) O A graphical analysis: such as would be found in a Science, Math, Geography, or Technology Class (example chart, graph, map, blueprints) O Multi-paragraph writing (essay): such as would be found in any class O Newspaper report: as taught based on the elementary language curriculum O Short Answer open responses (opinion paragraphs)
Reading & Writing Target Skills Target Reading Skills R1: Understanding explicit stated information and ideas Target Writing Skills W1: Developing a main idea with sufficient supporting details R2: Understanding implicitly stated information and ideas W2: Organizing information and ideas in a coherent manner R3: Making connections between information and ideas in a reading selection and personal experiences W3: Using conventions (spelling, grammar, punctuation) in a manner that does not distract from clear communication
Hints and Suggestions O Be on time O Manage your time so that you can complete all sections of the test O If late report to the office no additional time provided O Snack available at 8:30 and during break O You must go home at the conclusion of the test
Hints and Suggestions O Be prepared bring pens (dark blue or black), pencils, highlighters O No locker access O EQAO Rule: No cell phones, audio or video recording devices, pagers, digital music players or email or text messaging devices are allowed in the test room. O leave at home or teacher will hold for in bin and return at the end of the test (not responsible for lost/stolen items) O Lists will be posted showing the classroom where you will be writing
Contents of the Test: Reading Tasks O Students will read informational text, narrative text and graphic text O Students will be asked to respond to the readings in two ways: O Multiple Choice Questions O Paragraph Responses
Reading Tips O Read the questions first. This will help you predict what the reading selection is going to be about O Skim the selection and then read it closely O Underline or highlight important information and ideas as you read O As you read, think about what you are reading and ask yourself questions about it
Reading Tips O If you don t understand a word, read to the end of the sentence and look for clues to its meaning. If this doesn t help try reading the sentences before and after the sentence to see if you can find the meaning from the context O There will be two types of questions about what you have read: O Multiple Choice O Open Response (paragraph)
What s the Best Approach? O There are three types of reading questions. If you can identify what type of question it is, you can answer with more confidence. O Identify the TYPE of question: Right There or Explicit Question (R1) O The answer is actually IN the reading. You could go to the reading and put your finger right on it.
Right There Questions Examples: O What happened first? O According to this selection, what happened to Doug Gilmour s Stanley Cup ring? O What do confectioners do? O In what year did the events of the story take place? O Where were the members of the crew of the Milan taken when they were rescued?
Detective Question O Identify the TYPE of question: Detective or Implicit Question (R2) O This question asks you to find the answer after doing several things or reading in several places and then putting that information together.
Detective Question: Examples: O What does the final sentence suggest about Jon? O In paragraph 5, Sahid wrinkled his nose to show Jon that he does not O Which word has the same meaning as congestion as used in paragraph 2? O Which word best describes the first championship rings?
Partner Questions O Identify the TYPE of question: Partner or Connection Question (R3) O This question asks you to answer the question using knowledge you already have. You and the question must partner up to answer the question.
Partner Questions Examples: O Explain why this project is a good learning experience for the students involved. Use specific details from the selection and your own ideas to support your answer. O Explain whether or not Jon and Sahid are good friends. Provide specific evidence from the selection and your own ideas to support your answer. O Do you believe the main characters will live happily ever after? Explain your point of view with specific details.
Test Instructions O The following appears in the Test Instructions section of the OSSLT: O Multiple-Choice: O Choose the best or most correct answer for each question O You must record your multiple-choice answers on the Student Answer Sheet. Multiple-choice answers recorded in the Test Booklet will not be scored. O To indicate your answer, fill the circle completely. O If you wish to change a multiple-choice answer, erase or cross out your answer and fill in the circle for your new answer. Ensure that your final answer is clear.
Decoding the Instructions Multiple-Choice Questions Instructions: O Choose the best or most correct answer for each question. What does this mean? O More than one answer may sound good. O There may be a few answers that seem correct. O Only the BEST answer will do. O Only the MOST CORRECT answer will do.
1. READ the questions first and then read the leading text. 2. ELIMINATE: Find the answers that are clearly wrong. Cover up all answer choices but one. Look at that one answer choice and look for anything that is clearly wrong. Eliminate that answer. Uncover each of the other answers and repeat the last step. 3. CHOOSE the best answer. What s the Best Approach? Find the best answer amongst the good ones. Compare the remaining good answers and try to see which one is best It is true more often. It is stated more completely. Look for words like always, sometimes, often, occasionally, never. Re-read the question and re-read a section of the text if appropriate.
Test Instructions O The following appears in the Test Instructions section of the OSSLT: O Written Answers: O Write legibly on the lined space provided in the Test Booklet. O Pay attention to clarity, organization, spelling, grammar and punctuation O The lined space indicates the approximate length of the writing expected. O There is space in the Test Booklet for rough notes. Nothing you write in these spaces will be scored.
Strategies for Open-Response Reading Tasks O Read and re-read the question carefully. O Keep your answer within the six lines provided. O Answer the question using specific and relevant details and information from the reading selection. O Make connections between the ideas in the reading selection and your own experience. O Re-read your response and correct any errors you notice.
Paragraph Structure State a main idea of this selection and one detail from this selection that supports it. O Structure: This is about facts, not opinion O Topic Sentence (first sentence) O Find the main idea where? O Write the main idea in your own words: O This selection is about O Supporting detail(s) (second sentence) O Write specific facts that relate to the main idea.
Read the selection below and answer the questions that follow it. In 2006, the Canadian Museum of Civilization (CMC) celebrated its 150th birthday as an important centre for the preservation and presentation of Canadian heritage. It is one of the most visited museums in the world. Nearly 1.4 million visitors a year marvel at its collection and also at the building itself. Architect Douglas Cardinal designed the curving shape of the building to emulate the way Canada s rocky landscape was carved by glaciers and rivers. The Grand Hall, which is shaped like a canoe, displays the world s largest collection of totem poles as well as six Pacific coast Aboriginal houses. The forest backdrop, stretching the full length of the hall, is the world s largest colour photograph. The museum s first exhibits in 1856 were a few glass cases containing rocks, minerals and Aboriginal artifacts such as stone tools, pipes and pottery collected by geologists and explorers. Over the years, the collection developed along with the country, becoming more diverse and modern. Today, the CMC s collection includes items from the ancient past to the present day, from gigantic Haida canoes to a guitar used by rock star Randy Bachman (of the group the Guess Who). Only a portion of the museum s acquisitions is on display at once, but over 50 000 artifacts can be seen online. About 10 million people around the world log on to the museum s Web site each year. Real and virtual visitors to the CMC have found a rewarding way to explore Canada s rich and varied history and culture.
Sample Question Summarize this selection. Include a main idea and one detail that supports it. Rough Notes Use the space below for rough notes. Nothing you write in this space will be scored.
The Rubric Code Blank Illegible Off topic/ Incorrect Descriptor Blank: nothing written or drawn in the lined space provided. An illegible response cannot be read. An inappropriate response comments on the task (e.g., I don t know how to write a summary.). A typical off-topic and incorrect response provides an incorrect answer based on a misunderstanding of: the question OR the ideas in the reading selection. provides information not in the reading selection.
Code Code 10 The Rubric Descriptor Response answers only part of the question. The response provides: only a main idea (e.g., The Canadian Museum of Civilization tells a lot about Canadian history.) OR one or more supporting details only (e.g., The museum contains aboriginal artifacts.) OR a main idea with an irrelevant or unconnected supporting detail. Code 20 Response provides a correct main idea, and one or more vague details from the reading selection to support it. The response usually requires the reader to make the connection between the supporting detail and the main idea. Code 30 Response provides a correct main idea and one or more specific and relevant details from the reading selection as support for it.
Sample Student Answers Code 10 Annotation: This response provides a correct main idea only ( It is one of the most visited museums in the world. ).
Sample Student Answers Code 30 Annotation: This response provides a correct main idea ( It is one of the most visited museums in the world. ) which is supported by specific and relevant details from the selection ( 1.4 million people visit a year, 10 million people visit the site ).
Contents of Test: Writing Tasks O Students will be asked to perform the following writing tasks: O Multiple Choice Questions on Grammar and Organization O Opinion Paragraphs (in both booklets) O News Article (perhaps Booklet 1) O Series of Paragraphs Expressing an Opinion (essay) (perhaps Booklet 2)
Multiple Choice Grammar
Strategies for Short Opinion Writing Tasks O Read and re-read the question carefully. O Think of links between the topic and your knowledge and personal experiences. O Answer the question using specific and relevant details. O Re-read your response and correct any errors you notice.
Opinion Question Structure O Structure: O State your answer: Hint: You can use part of the question in your answer. O e.g. if you could learn how to do something new, what would it be and why? O If I could learn how to do something new, it would be how to drive O Explain your answer O Using the word because in your answer will help you include examples O Conclusion O Wrap up everything you have said
Sample Question O If you could learn how to do something new, what would it be and why? O QUESTION base you answer on the key terms in the question O LENGTH fill all the 6 lines, but do not write more than that. O EXPLAIN give the reason(s) for your answer. Be clear and detailed
Sample Question You try it! Explain why it is important to learn about other cultures. Use specific details to support your answer. Rough Notes Use the space below for rough notes. Nothing you write in this space will be scored.
Code Blank Illegible Off topic/ Incorrect The Rubric Descriptor Blank: nothing written or drawn in the lined space provided. An illegible response cannot be read. An inappropriate response comments on the task (e.g., I don t know how to write a summary.). A typical off-topic and incorrect response: Does not identify an opinion in relation to the question OR Is not specific to the question OR Comments on the topic of the question.
Code Code 10 Descriptor Response provides at least one reason as to why it is important to learn about other cultures, but: does not provide an explanation of the reason OR the explanation of the reason is irrelevant OR the explanation of the reason is not unique to the situation. Code 20 Response provides at least one reason, but the explanation is vague. The response usually requires the reader to make the connection between the main idea and the support. Code 30 Response clearly explains at least one reason as to why it is important to learn about other cultures by providing specific and relevant details as support.
The Second Rubric: Conventions Scoring Guide for Short Writing Conventions Writing Prompt: What is the best advice you have ever given to someone? Use specific details to explain your answer. Code Use of Conventions Code 10 errors in conventions distract from communication Code 20 errors in conventions do not distract from communication
Sample Student Answers Code 10 Annotation: This response provides a reason why it is important to learn about other cultures ( people can better understand other people ) but does not provide an explanation of the reason.
Sample Student Answers Code 30 Annotation: This response provides a reason ( it creates a sense of understanding to the world ) which is supported by a specific and relevant explanation ( If a person saw a girl wearing a hijab, they might think it is strange, unless they had studied Muslim culture, & understood the hijabs purpose ).
News Report O Make a rough plan O Report must relate to the photo O Answer: Who? What? Where? When? Why? And How? O Write in the third person (he, she, they) O Include quotations from participants, organizers, witnesses O Proofread and correct your work O Use the space provided
Sample Question
Rubric: Topic Development
Rubric: Conventions
Essay Tips O Make a rough plan O Proofread and correct your work O 5 paragraphs
Sample Question:
Rubric: Topic Development
Rubric: Conventions
Recap: Overview of Test Components O The test includes: O Informational text (real-life narrative): such as would be found in a Business, History, Physical Education, The Arts, or Social Sciences Class (used to gain knowledge on specific facts) O Narrative (dialogue) reading: such as would be found in an English Class (example a fictional piece used for interpretation) O A graphical analysis: such as would be found in a Science, Math, Geography, or Technology Class (example chart, graph, map, blueprints) O Multi-paragraph writing (essay): such as would be found in any class O Newspaper report: as taught based on the elementary language curriculum O Short Answer open responses (opinion paragraphs)
How Can I Help My Child Prepare? O Create an environment conducive to reading O model reading read a variety of materials, read for fun and information O read flyers, instructions, pamphlets and maps together O sharing stories and ideas through conversation O discussing current events and encouraging the sharing of opinions - ask your teen to support their opinions and ideas during your conversations O practice understanding explicit information by asking your teen: What s the main idea? O practice making connections (making inferences) by asking your teen: What does the writer want you to know? O practice interpretation by asking your teen: What does this mean to you?