A new report has emerged that shares interesting statistics. Reading tests conducted by the EQAO (Education Quality Accountability Office) for grades 3 to 6 demonstrated a steady improvement in reading scores from as far back as 2005. However, this trend was not replicated in the OSSLT results, even as the same students took the test. The OSSLT results showed almost no significant improvements since 2005. 

So, what happened?

The Ontario Branch of the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) employed a data approved partner of the EQAO to analyse the results. And what did they show?

They showed that an increasingly large number of students had access to assistive technologies while taking their reading tests in grades 3 to 6. With a striking 15% increase (from 3% in 2005 to 18% in 2018) in the use of assistive technology or scribes, it isn’t particularly difficult to see why there has been such an improvement in reading results. 

Likewise, if the same extension of resources isn’t made for students taking the OSSLT, it is not so difficult to picture why the results are becoming stagnant, instead of the growth that may be expected and desired. You can find the full report here.

How to Help Students with the OSSLTs 

As we know, students with dyslexia and other learning needs are given different extensions and support while taking the exam. But is that enough? Should we be looking just at the examination, or should we too be considering revision resources? After all, leveling the playing field when it comes to the big game is still not a leveled playing field if the practice pitch is filled with potholes. 

The Litguide App offers a fresh and fair platform for students to study for their OSSLTs. This application is user-friendly while utilizing assistive technology, and it has a feature that allows for scribes while students are using it. 

The Litguide application also offers students practice for the different modules that the OSSLT covers, and classes dedicated to what the student may be struggling with, as well as a desktop essay writing feature which is easy and simple to use.

For students to use the desktop essay writing, they simply need to:

• Go to www.litguide.ca/writing
• Scan the QR Code
• Save and submit for feedback

The resources available for teachers in the Litguide App means that teachers can review student submissions and provide constructive feedback. They can also modify lessons, exams and quizzes remotely. 

To find out more about the Litguide App, try it out for yourself, or share your thoughts, schedule a meeting with us today.