Why does Ontario make students take EQAO tests?
The tests are a way to measure your progress against a provincial standard of educational achievements. The results also show what needs improvement in the public education system, and holds educators accountable for what they're supposed to be teaching.
When do I take the test?
Students take the EQAO test at different points throughout their public education. Every student in Ontario has to take the EQAO test in:
- Grade 3, Assessment of Reading, Writing and Mathematics, Primary Division;
- Grade 6, Assessment of Reading, Writing and Mathematics, Junior Division;
- Grade 9, Assessment of Mathematics; and
- Grade 10, The Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT)
Do I need to study for the EQAO tests?
The EQAO tests are based on the curriculum that you're following as a student in Ontario, so no additional studying is required. As long as you're keeping up with what's being taught in your classes, you will be prepared to pass the tests.
Still, if you'd like to do additional preparation and familiarize yourself with the format of the test, head on over to www.eqao.com for more resources.
What's the OSSLT?
The OSSLT is the final provincial test and a particularly important because it measures whether students are meeting the minimum standard for literacy across all subjects up to the end of grade 9. Students must pass the OSSLT to graduate from high school.
Students who fail their literacy test are allowed to re-take it until they pass.
Do the results of the tests affect my grades?
Some schools may use the results of the Grade 9 Assessment of Mathematics to count towards your course grade, but the results can only count for up to 30% of your final grade.
The OSSLT results do not count towards your school grades, but once again, you must pass this test to receive your high school diploma.
What happens if I fail the OSSLT?
You can take the OSSLT as many times as you need to in order to pass.
If you're struggling to pass the test after multiple attempts, you may want to consider taking the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course (OSSLC) instead. The course was created to provide students the intensive support they need to demonstrate that they've achieved provincial standards of literacy.