On the Literacy Test Day (March 27) Some things to consider are:

On March 27 (Test Day):

Where do you write?
Room numbers will be posted on Student Counter windows.

Who's eligible to write on March 27, 2008?

There will be lists of "eligible students" posted in the Display Cases in the Main Foyer.

Is your name there? Should it be?

Check the eligibility rules below and please let the office know if you are on the list and shouldn't be or if you're not on the list and you should be. There will not be another opportunity to write the Literacy Test until March 2009. Successful completion of the OSSLT (or equivalency with the OSSLC) is a requirement to achieve a high school diploma

Participants in the March 2008 OSSLT may include:

• Students who entered Grade 9 in September 2006
• Students who have not yet passed the test
• Students who were absent or deferred for the OSSLT last year.
• Students who were exempt but who are now working toward an OSSD.

Consistency and Fairness:

The conditions of the test administration include a time limit as well as limited access to the test booklets. Students work on one booklet at a time and must place a security seal on each booklet as it is completed and handed in. There are two booklets with 1.5 hours given for each booklet.

It is important that students realize that there is one major Writing task (news article based on a photograph and a supported opinion essay) in each booklet so it is important that students budget their time to leave 20 to 30 minutes for that Writing task.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

The biggest stumbling block to success is failure to follow the instructions.

• If you are asked to write three paragraphs, do not write nine.
• If you are asked to look at a photograph and write a news report, do not write an opinion piece.
• Do what you are asked to do. Follow the instructions!
• The next most common mistake? ... failing to budget your time!
• Be sure to leave 20 to 30 minutes for that Writing Task that is in each booklet!
• Buy or borrow a watch ... and use it.
• The supervisors are instructed to warn you when there are only 15 minutes remaining.

Punctuality and Attendance:

Students who are late by up to 30 minutes will be permitted to write both test booklets. However the instructions will not be repeated and students will not be granted extra time to compensate for their late arrival. Students arriving more than 30 minutes late but before or during the break will not be permitted to write the first booklet but will be permitted to write the second test booklet after the break with the rest of the students.

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