Passing the OSSLT: How the Litguide App Can Help

Tools such as the Litguide App help to prepare students better for the OSSLT. Passing the OSSLT is a requisite for students to graduate secondary school in Ontario. With around 20% of students failing this test on average each year, it is critical for students to have the tools to study and pass the exam the first time around. The benefits of graduating from secondary school are widely known and not disputed.

This article will explore the obstacles faced by those studying for the test and the introduction of the new Litguide App, analysing how it is assisting students with said obstacles. We will also cast brief consideration over how the education system has changed in more recent years – particularly in line with the COVID19 pandemic.

Obstacles faced by Students taking & Studying for the OSSLT

Just a few of the may obstacles that are faced by students undergoing the OSSLT include things such as:

• Anxiety and panic attacks related to test taking and exams
• Eyesight problems
• Problems associated with reading such as dyslexia
• English Second Language Students 

The OSSLT exam does plenty to accomodate for students with issues such as these. Results show that extended time in an exam can help with panic attacks and improve grades. Extra time and other in-exam accommodations are not the whole answer. Accommodations must be made for these students outside of the exam halls as well.

These accommodations can include many different things. Things as simple as providing a highlighter, glossaries, or even allowing a student a tape recorder in class are all proven to show improvements for dyslexic students. 

If we focus specifically on dyslexia as an academic hurdle, studies have shown students with dyslexia struggle with note taking, organization of notes and essays, and expression within writing. The problems faced by dyslexic students in the classroom rise significantly when the dyslexic student is an English Second Language Student.  

The Changes Seen in Education in the Wake of the Coronavirus Pandemic

Students that would have difficulties preparing for their exams under usual circumstances are left even further behind in recent years. It will not surprise you to know this is due to the changing of the classroom structure in the wake of the COVID pandemic. 

The results are clear- white students are an average of 1 to 3 months behind, whereas students of color are an average of 3 to 5 months behind. This study approaches students as a body- showing that even students who would usually be on top of the work are finding themselves behind. The more vulnerable members of the class are slipping behind much faster. 

More than ever, it is important for students to be able to find a way to study that relates to them. With the digital transformation of school life, so must follow the digital solution to the issues presented. In the age of technology, students need access to online resources or they run a very real risk of falling behind.

What is the Litguide App and how will it help?

The Litguide App is, at the time of publication, the only app that offers content that is based on the OSSLT curriculum. Its features are designed to accommodate all kinds of students in their preparation for the literacy OSSLT. 

By using up-to-date curriculum, news articles, and practice exams, the Litguide App provides an extensive and comprehensive guide towards the OSSLT. It allows students to practice the format of the exam in a user-friendly way. 

The app is broken down into three main sections:

• The Essentials
• Workbooks
• Exams

And each aim to stimulate and grow the student and the way they approach answering the three question types used in the OSSLT:

• Multiple Choice
• Short Answer
• Essay Writing

The app only provides questions based on the OSSLT, and it provides automatic feedback on multiple choice & short answer questions. Essay writing can be done on a desktop and has a submission feature that allows for students to receive customized feedback from real teachers. 

The app has an offline feature and works on cell phones, (both Android and iOS) as well as support for iPads and Android tablets, promoting accessibility for all students with access to technology. 93% of Ontario secondary schools encourage students to bring their devices to school, highlighting just how commonplace this type of learning has become.

Inclusivity in Litguide App 

Features such as audio reading for articles, a glossary of words, and the opportunity to add highlights and notes to the page make the app, and by extension revision, much more accessible to students with learning difficulties. 

There are also adjustable push notifications to offer more routine for students, another proven strategy to help students with dyslexia. The app has suggested lessons alongside performance feedback to allow students to identify their weaker points of the OSSLT curriculum. 

Once the weaker points have been identified, the student is offered personalized suggestions of lesson plans and feedback. This feedback is specifically designed to allow the student to grow their capabilities and understanding of what is needed from them in the upcoming test. 

Closing Thoughts…

The Litguide App offers access to  a trove of real teachers and an up-to-date curriculum for students. This all in one platform is carefully designed to support and encourage students on their way to success by catering to various needs and abilities. 

As well as supporting each student’s individual needs, the app provides a realistic timeline for exam preparation and educational support. Litguide App was developed to support students in a technical way and work alongside issues faced with online presence and education. 

Contact us today to find out more about the Litguide App and how we help students to complete the OSSLT.