An alternative version of the OSSLT has been created for students with special education needs or special considerations. This version contains single-selection and open-response questions only. The alternative version of the assessment is available in multiple formats.
Please ensure that you have indicated that this student has an accommodation and that you have used the e-assessment system to select the format of the alternative version required. This will ensure that the online version of the test and the requested format of the alternative version match.
Important: The Alternative Version Request tab appears only when the student information is entered in the Accommodations tab and the student profile is completed and saved. School Administrators will use the Alternative Version Request tab to request a format of the alternative version of the OSSLT for students according to the guidelines in this user guide.
The following formats of the alternative version are available for the practice test and the OSSLT:
- Unified English Braille (contracted or uncontracted, with printable regular- or large-print PDF) designed for students with a visual impairment;
- A printable PDF (regular or large print) containing only single-select and open-response questions designed for students with an identified accommodation or special consideration;
- American Sign Language video format of the OSSLT designed for students with a hearing impairment.
There are two ways for students using the alternative version to access the audio format:
- by using available audio MP3 files; or,
- by using the audio directly in the e-assessment platform (built-in-text-to-speech).
EQAO requires five to seven business days to process a request for the Braille formats and three business days to process a request for all other formats.
A printable PDF (regular or large print) of the assessment will be included when the Braille format is ordered.
Important: All responses to questions in any format of the alternative version must be entered into the e-assessment platform. Three options are available to enter student responses into the e-assessment platform if a format of the alternative version is used:
- The student, if able, can enter their responses directly into the e-assessment platform as the student completes the assessment.
- The scribe, if one is assigned to the student, can enter the student’s responses directly into the e-assessment platform as the student completes the assessment.
- If the student or scribe is unable to enter any responses into the e-assessment platform as the student completes the assessment, the school administrator or teacher must sign into the e-assessment platform using the student’s sign-in information, when the student has completed the test, and transcribe the student’s responses directly into the e-assessment platform, including the responses to the Student Questionnaire. It is important to transcribe the student’s responses exactly as the student has identified.
Requesting the Alternative Version of the Test
Requirement to Request the Alternative Version
Ensure that the Individual Education Plan (IEP) or one of the special considerations is selected under the Accommodations tab. Use the Alternative Version Request tab to request the required format.
Steps for Requesting the Alternative Version
1. Sign in as a School Administrator
2. Under the Students tab:
- Select an assessment: OSSLT.
- Select the (In Progress) Administration Window.
3. Select the student with special education needs by clicking their OEN, First Name, or Last Name.
4. Ensure the IEP or Special Considerations and appropriate accommodations are noted in the Accommodations tab.
4. In the Student Record dialog box, select the Alternative Version Request tab.
5. Fill all the mandatory fields while following the instructions and explanations.
6. Click the Submit Request to EQAO button to send the request.
Important: Clicking the Save button does not send the request to EQAO.
7. Click Save; then OK to close the dialog window.
Important: As a follow up to your request and prior to the test, please confirm that the approval has been processed online by checking the Message Centre. This ensures that the questions in the version that the student is using will match the student’s online version. If you have any difficulty, please contact EQAO at info@eqao.com or 1-888-327-7377.
Scenarios
Scenario 1 – Ordering alternative formats for a student with an IEP (hard of hearing):
Step 1 – Identify the accommodation(s)
Step 2 – Order the alternative version
Scenario 2 – Ordering alternative formats for a student without an IEP (temporary or unique circumstances):
Step 1 – Identify the accommodation(s)
Step 2 – Order the alternative version
Scenario 3 – Ordering an alternative format for a student without an IEP (new student – Special considerations):
Step 1 – Identify the accommodation(s)
Step 2 – Order the alternative version
Viewing and Managing Requests
All the information about the student’s alternative version(s) are in the Alternative Version Requests tab. Use the scrollbar at the end of the table to see all the different columns.
