Case Studies: Schools on the Journey of Learning

Observations from the Field

Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test, 2009–2010

Over the past few months, EQAO has visited a number of secondary schools throughout
Ontario. Engaging with the education community in this manner has allowed EQAO to learn
about strategies being used to support student achievement in literacy. Several common themes
emerged throughout these visits, and we are pleased to present a sample in the following pages.

Principals and teachers have become more adept at using results from EQAO testing and other
data as a reference point to guide their interventions for students. Data have been useful in
identifying subgroups of students who continue to struggle, including students in applied
and locally developed courses, students with special education needs and English language
learners. Throughout the province, there has been a strong emphasis on the early identification
of at-risk students. A particular focus has been placed on gaining the support of Grade 8 students
and their parents to select appropriate courses.

Once the students who are at risk are identified, staff, both in schools and across panels in families
of schools, use data to identify the interventions and transition programs that will best meet the
needs of these students. There has been widespread use of both Ministry of Education and
EQAO resources and supports to guide these efforts.

The overriding observation from all these discussions with the field is the tremendous commitment
by school teams to work tirelessly to find ways to see their students succeed. This is especially true
with respect to students who are encouraged to use accommodations and credit recovery and
credit saving programs.

In celebration of this spirit of achievement, EQAO has selected seven publicly funded Ontario schools to profile in this year’s report. These schools are notable for their success in improving the literacy skills of their students as demonstrated by their OSSLT results over the years.

Each school team discusses what EQAO and other data have taught them about their students and the innovative approaches they’re using to address areas for improvement.

The school profiles in the following pages are just a few of the many remarkable and inspiring stories across Ontario’s publicly funded school system. EQAO is pleased to highlight the accomplishments of these schools and celebrate the exemplary work of school teams making a significant difference in their communities. These stories provide a source of ideas and encouragement for other schools across the province.