Supporting English Language Learners in High-Stakes Literacy Testing

Abstract

In Ontario, a mandatory high-stakes standardized literacy test called the OSSLT is administered in the tenth grade. With notable failure rates and acknowledged test anxiety, students are in need of better test preparatory methods. In this article, we examine some of the challenges and analyze ways that online multimedia learning tools can be designed in order to support diverse student needs. The online tool developed in this study features learning principles and practices based on research in literacy testing and online education. Our discussion contributes new ideas and future directions for task designers and online test preparatory tools.