According to UNESCO, acquiring literacy is not a one-off act. It is a process that extends beyond the typical components of reading, writing and counting skills. As identified by experts in the field, literacy is now understood as a means of “identification, understanding, interpretation, creation, and communication in an increasingly digital, text-mediated, information-rich and fast-changing world”. More than just an acquired skill, literacy is a continuum of learning and proficiency in reading, writing and using numbers that continue to expand and evolve as people engage more and more with information and learning through digital technology and beyond.
Importance of Literacy Skills in Ontario
In Ontario, EQAO is an arm’s length government agency that contributes to the quality and accountability of Ontario’s publicly funded education system for K-12. The agency is dedicated to enhancing the quality and accountability of the education system in Ontario and to work with the education community. Recognizing the importance and value of strong literacy skills for students, EQAO uses the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) to measure 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 (OSSD).
ENL1W at OVS is Rooted in the Ontario Curriculum
At Ontario Virtual School, our online Gr. 9 English Course (ENL1W) is rooted in the Gr. 9 Ontario English Curriculum, which emphasizes that:
“Literacy is essential for success: it affects all academic achievement and is associated with social, emotional, economic, and physical health. The Grade 9 English course is designed to support students in developing and consolidating the literacy knowledge and skills they need to succeed in education and in life, and to encourage students to experience the joy and possibility that literacy learning can ignite.”
ENL1W at OVS is Prepares Students for OSSLT
In addition to being rooted in the Gr. 9 Ontario English Curriculum, ENL1W is designed to ensure that students gain the skills they need to be successful in writing the OSSLT in Gr. 10. Students who enrol in ENL1W with OVS can expect to develop a variety of skills such as:
- analyzing literary texts from both contemporary and historical periods
- interpreting informational and graphic texts
- learning multiple strategies for effective communication
- developing a deeper understanding of themselves, others and the world around them
- understanding that all texts advance a particular point of view that must be recognized, questioned, assessed, and evaluated
- using language to interact and connect with individuals and communities, for personal growth, and for active participation as world citizens
ENL1W at OVS Supports Framework of OSSLT
Acquiring these skills through ENL1W at Ontario Virtual School prepares students for the skills assessed during the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test. As indicated in the OSSLT Framework, students can expect to see the following on the test:
- Reading: four different types of reading selections (real-life narrative, information paragraph, news report, dialogue) and 23 corresponding selected-response reading questions, as well as one open-response question
- Writing: Selected-Response: 12 selected response writing questions
- Opinion Essay: one open-response question composed of a series of paragraphs supporting an opinion
In order to see a sample of these questions, students are welcome to access the Practice Test on the OSSLT website.
How to Ensure Your Success
If you’re interested in developing the literacy skills you need to do well on OSSLT, register now for ENL1W or read our FAQ to find out more about enrolling in online high school in Ontario.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1 Why is literacy important?
Literacy is more than just reading and writing. According to UNESCO, literacy involves understanding, communicating, interpreting, and creating texts in an information-rich and digital world. Strong literacy skills support success in school, work, and everyday life.
Q2 What is the OSSLT?
The Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) is a test that checks whether students have the reading and writing skills expected by the end of Grade 9. Passing the OSSLT is required in order to earn your Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).
Q3 How does the OVS Grade 9 English course (ENL1W) help me prepare for the OSSLT?
ENL1W at OVS is based on the Ontario English Curriculum and focuses on building essential reading, writing, and communication skills. These skills directly support what is assessed on the OSSLT.
Q4 What skills will I learn in ENL1W that support OSSLT success?
In ENL1W, you will learn to:
- Read and analyze different types of texts
- Understand and evaluate opinions and viewpoints
- Interpret information and graphic texts
- Develop clear written responses
- Communicate ideas effectively
Q5 What kinds of questions are on the OSSLT?
The OSSLT includes:
- Reading tasks with multiple choice and one written answer
- Selected-response writing questions
- One opinion essay where you write a series of paragraphs to express your point of view
Q6 Is there a way to practice before the test?
Yes. EQAO provides a full Practice Test online, where you can try sample reading and writing questions. It’s a great way to get comfortable with the format.
Written by Natalie Tayler (OVS Teacher)