News Release
June 10, 2009

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) today released the results of the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT), administered by the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) on April 2, 2009. Eighty-four per cent of first-time eligible, fully participating DDSB students achieved the provincial standard. The Board’s result this year is consistent with last year’s achievement, which was also at 84 per cent.  The DDSB’s results remain consistent with the provincial result of 85 per cent.  Individual DDSB school results are posted on the Board's Website.

The OSSLT is a one-day test that assesses the essential literacy skills that apply to all subject areas to the end of the Ontario Grade 9 curriculum. The test is administered to Grade 10 students who are working toward an Ontario Secondary School Graduation Diploma. OSSLT results are reported as successful or unsuccessful. The OSSLT is one of the 32 requirements for a student to receive an Ontario Secondary School Graduation Diploma. Ninety-six per cent or 5,433   Grade 10 DDSB students fully participated in the test, while two per cent were absent and three per cent were deferred. Provincially, two per cent of students were absent and four per cent were deferred.  Individual DDSB school results are linked to the chart attached.

"The overwhelming majority of first-time eligible, fully participating Durham District School Board students were successful on the OSSLT,” says Luigia Ayotte, Superintendent of Education/Programs. “ At the DDSB, the hard work of staff throughout the year ensures students are prepared for this high stakes test and our efforts continue to produce a stable trend over time,” she adds.This year, eighty-seven per cent of first-time eligible fully participating female students were successful compared to 81 per cent of first-time eligible male students. Across the province, 88 per cent of females and 82 per cent of males were successful. Fifty-three per cent of the DDSB English Language Learners (ELL) were successful on the
April 2009 assessment. This result for ELL students represents an increase of 18 per cent over the past five years. Across the province deferral rates for ELL students was 32 per cent while at the DDSB; only 10 per cent were deferred. 

“At the DDSB we will continue our tradition of encouraging all first-time eligible students to write the OSSLT in order to obtain meaningful data about students’ learning and achievement,” says Ayotte. Of the 1,551 previously eligible students, 1,100 have completed the literacy requirement for graduation. 

Seventy-one per cent of previously eligible students were successful in meeting the literacy requirement for graduation with six per cent of students absent and two per cent deferred. Provincially, fifty per cent of previously eligible students were successful in meeting the literacy requirement for graduation with eleven per cent absent and eleven per cent deferred.  Support and remedial activities continue to help students achieve success on the OSSLT. This year, students continue to take advantage of the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course. A comprehensive understanding of student achievement includes the consideration of contextual information at the local and individual level. School and central office staff continue to work together examining and interpreting data, to develop strategies and programs to ensure student success.

Additional information on the test, including detailed school reports can be obtained through the Durham District School Board Website, www.durham.edu.on.ca and through the EQAO Website, www.eqao.com. The next administration of the test will take place on April 8, 2010.

The Education Quality and Accountability Office is an independent agency of the Ontario government. EQAO administers several province-wide tests each year. Results from these assessments yield individual, school, school board and provincial data on student achievement.

The Durham District School Board is responsible for public education in the rural settings of Uxbridge, Brock and Scugog Townships and the urban settings of Ajax, Whitby, Pickering and Oshawa. The Board employs more than 7,000 teaching and educational services staff. With 137 elementary and secondary schools and learning centres, the Board accommodates more than 70,000 regular day students and thousands more who take advantage of a wide variety of continuing education and adult credit courses. More information can be found on the Board’s Website at www.durham.edu.on.ca.

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