OSSLT Module 1: The Baseline

Welcome to the first step of your OSSLT preparation! This module is all about finding out where you are right now so we can build a path toward success together. Remember, this is a diagnostic, which is just a fancy way of saying "practice to see what we need to work on." It is okay to not know all the answers yet!

1. The 2018 Diagnostic Test (2 Hours)

Your first task is to complete the 2018 Practice Test. This will give us a baseline of your current skills in reading and writing.

  1. Head over to the practice portal and complete the 2018 Diagnostic Test.
  2. As you work through the multiple choice questions, pay attention to which ones feel easy and which ones make you pause.
  3. Once you finish, the system will provide some feedback. Capture a screenshot of your results or save them to your Google Drive.

2. Reflection and Video (25 minutes)

Now that you have your results, let's think about them. Using Canva, create a short 30 to 60 second video. You can use a "Talking Presentation" template or just record yourself speaking.

  • We are learning to identify our strengths and areas for improvement.
  • In your video, tell me one thing you felt proud of during the test and one specific area (like "summarizing" or "finding the main idea") you want to get better at.
  • Keep it positive! This is your starting line.

3. Short Writing Task (25 minutes)

To wrap up this module, we are going to practice a short writing task.

The Prompt: "Identify a Canadian person you admire and explain why they are a positive role model for young people."

  • I can write a clear paragraph that stays on topic.
  • I can use specific examples to support my ideas.
  • I can check my work for Canadian spelling (like "honour" and "valour") and proper grammar.

Teacher Tip: Try using the "APE" method for your paragraph:

  • Answer the prompt directly.
  • Prove your point with a specific example.
  • Explain how your example proves your point.

When you are finished, please download your Canva video and your writing sample as a PDF, and submit them both to Google Classroom. You've got this!

Assessment

What to Turn In

  • 📤

    Google Doc or Canva PDF containing:

    • Results summary from the 2018 Diagnostic Test
    • A "Learning Goal" reflection video (30 to 60 seconds)
    • A short writing sample (1 to 2 paragraphs) reacting to the role model prompt

Learning Goals

We are learning to:

  • 🎯

    Understand my current literacy strengths and areas for growth through a diagnostic assessment

  • 🎯

    Write effectively using specific evidence to support a clear point of view

  • 🎯

    Refine and edit my writing for clarity, grammar, and appropriate tone

Success Criteria

I can:

  • ✅

    identify my strengths as a writer and specific areas where I can improve my work

    Expectations: W4.1
  • ✅

    generate, gather, and organize ideas and information to write for a specific purpose and audience

    Expectations: W1.1, W1.2, W1.3
  • ✅

    produce a piece of writing that uses a tone and form appropriate for the OSSLT while following the conventions of Canadian English

    Expectations: W2.1, W3.1, W3.7

Rubric

Category Level 4 Level 3 Level 2 Level 1
Knowledge/Understanding
How well does the student demonstrate an understanding of the OSSLT format and the requirements of the writing tasks?
 Demonstrates a thorough understanding of the test format and writing requirements Demonstrates a considerable understanding of the test format and writing requirements Demonstrates some understanding of the test format and writing requirements Demonstrates limited understanding of the test format and writing requirements
Thinking/Inquiring
How effectively does the student reflect on their diagnostic results to identify personal learning needs?
 Reflects with a high degree of effectiveness, identifying specific and insightful goals Reflects with considerable effectiveness to identify clear goals Reflects with some effectiveness to identify general goals Reflects with limited effectiveness
Application
How well does the student use Google Workspace or Canva to organize their findings and produce their video reflection?
 Applies digital tools with a high degree of effectiveness to produce a professional product Applies digital tools with considerable effectiveness Applies digital tools with some effectiveness Applies digital tools with limited effectiveness
Communication
How clearly and correctly is the writing and video reflection communicated for the intended audience?
 Communicates with a high degree of clarity, using perfect Canadian spelling and a confident tone Communicates with considerable clarity and few errors Communicates with some clarity; errors may occasionally distract the reader Communicates with limited clarity
Knowledge/Understanding
Criteria: How well does the student demonstrate an understanding of the OSSLT format and the requirements of the writing tasks?
Level 4

Demonstrates a thorough understanding of the test format and writing requirements

Level 3

Demonstrates a considerable understanding of the test format and writing requirements

Level 2

Demonstrates some understanding of the test format and writing requirements

Level 1

Demonstrates limited understanding of the test format and writing requirements

Thinking/Inquiring
Criteria: How effectively does the student reflect on their diagnostic results to identify personal learning needs?
Level 4

Reflects with a high degree of effectiveness, identifying specific and insightful goals

Level 3

Reflects with considerable effectiveness to identify clear goals

Level 2

Reflects with some effectiveness to identify general goals

Level 1

Reflects with limited effectiveness

Application
Criteria: How well does the student use Google Workspace or Canva to organize their findings and produce their video reflection?
Level 4

Applies digital tools with a high degree of effectiveness to produce a professional product

Level 3

Applies digital tools with considerable effectiveness

Level 2

Applies digital tools with some effectiveness

Level 1

Applies digital tools with limited effectiveness

Communication
Criteria: How clearly and correctly is the writing and video reflection communicated for the intended audience?
Level 4

Communicates with a high degree of clarity, using perfect Canadian spelling and a confident tone

Level 3

Communicates with considerable clarity and few errors

Level 2

Communicates with some clarity; errors may occasionally distract the reader

Level 1

Communicates with limited clarity

← Back to Course Outline