Results for the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT), written by Grade 10 students last spring, indicate that 96 percent of students in Academic courses were successful, surpassing the provincial average of 93 percent. In addition, students who self-identify as First Nations were also highly successful, achieving 76 percent, well above the provincial average of 59 percent.
Overall results indicate that 70% of first-time participating students were successful as compared to the provincial average of 82%.
"We continue to be proud of the hard work of our educators who continue to develop the literacy skills students need to be successful on this assessment and in life," stated Mandy Savery-Whiteway, Director of Education.
NEXT STEPS
In order to more fully understand these results, staff will be examining the data as it relates to how students are succeeding in various course types (e.g. Academic, Applied and Locally Developed), by gender and special education needs. A more specific and detailed analysis will allow schools to continue to focus efforts to close gaps in student achievement results. For example, secondary schools offer after school literacy programs for students.
"As educators, we continue to prioritize the work ahead of us to know our students, respond to their needs and monitor their progress to meet graduation requirements," remarked Cathy Portt, Superintendent of Curriculum Services.
QUICK FACTS
- Grade 10 students in all eight secondary schools wrote the OSSLT.
- The percentage of eligible students who wrote the test was at an all-time high due to reduced deferral rates.
- The total number of first-eligible participating students was 1,000.
- Of those, 252 (or 25 percent) had an Individual Education Plan (IEP). An IEP is a written plan describing the Special Education program and/or services required by the student.
The OSSLT, written by students in Grade 10, is administered once per year in the spring. Results represent the percentage of students who were successful in passing the assessment. Students from all English course types (e.g. Academic, Applied and Locally Developed) complete the same test, as it is a graduation requirement.
Parents/guardians of students who wrote the OSSLT last spring received individual results for their child in June and are encouraged to review them then contact the school with any questions.
For more information, please contact:
Kerry Donnell, Communications Officer, 613-966-1170 or 1 800 267-4350, extension 2354, [email protected]