OLC4O - Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course

Building Reading Skills By the end of this course, students will: . demonstrate the ability to read and respond to a variety of texts; . demonstrate understanding of the organizational structure and features of a variety of informational, narrative, and graphic texts, including information paragraphs, opinion pieces, textbooks, newspaper reports and magazine stories, and short fiction; . demonstrate understanding of the content and meaning of informational, narrative, and graphic texts that they have read using a variety of reading strategies; . use a variety of strategies to understand unfamiliar and specialized words and expressions in informational, narrative, and graphic texts.

Building Writing Skills By the end of this course, students will: . demonstrate the ability to use the writing process by generating and organizing ideas and producing first drafts, revised drafts, and final polished pieces to complete a variety of writing tasks; . use knowledge of writing forms, and of the connections between form, audience, and purpose, to write summaries, information paragraphs, opinion pieces (i.e., series of paragraphs expressing an opinion), news reports, and personal reflections, incorporating graphic elements where necessary and appropriate.

Understanding and Assessing Growth in Literacy By the end of this course, students will: . demonstrate understanding of the importance of communication skills in their everyday lives - at school, at work, and at home; . demonstrate understanding of their own roles and responsibilities in the learning process; . demonstrate understanding of the reading and writing processes and of the role of reading and writing in learning; . demonstrate understanding of their own growth in literacy during the course.

Since the over-riding aim of this course is to help students use language skillfully, confidently and flexibly, a wide variety of instructional strategies are used to provide learning opportunities to accommodate a variety of learning styles, interests and ability levels. These include:

Reading various works	Vocabulary Building	Directed Reading Activities
Multimedia Production Independent Study	Direct Instruction Writing Processes	Research Process Portfolio
Conferencing	Guided Internet Research	Expressing Another Point of View
Guided Writing Media Analysis Comparative Essay Writing	Independent Reading Response Journal	Reading Responses Creative Writing

Students must achieve the Ministry of Education learning expectations of a course and complete 110 hours of planned learning activities, both online and offline, in order to earn a course credit. Students must keep a learning log throughout their course which outlines the activities they have completed and their total learning hours. This log must be submitted before the final exam can be written.

The chart below indicates some general examples of online and offline activities.

Online Learning Activities	Offline Learning Activities
Watching instructional videos	Reading materials for course
Watching additional resources videos	Studying instructional material
Completing online timed assignments	Practicing skills
Contributing to Forums	Completing assignments
Uploading video presentations	Completing essays
Communicating with instructor	Preparing presentations
Participating in live conferences	Reviewing for tests and exams
Practicing through online quizzes	Researching topics on internet
Reviewing peer submissions
Assessing peer presentations
Completing online timed exam

Students are expected to access and participate actively in coursework and course forums on a regular and frequent basis. This interaction with other students is a major component of this course and there are minimum requirements for student communication and contribution.

TorontoeSchool's approach to assessment and evaluation is based on the Ontario Ministry of Education's Growing Success 2010 document. Assessment is the process of gathering information that accurately reflects how well a student is achieving the curriculum expectations in a subject or course.

The primary purpose of assessment is to improve student learning. Assessment for this purpose is seen as both "assessment for learning" and "assessment as learning". As part of assessment for learning, teachers provide students with descriptive feedback and coaching for improvement. Teachers engage in assessment as learning by helping all students develop their capacity to be independent, autonomous learners who are able to set individual goals, monitor their own progress, determine next steps, and reflect on their thinking and learning. Toronto eSchool teachers use evidence from a variety of sources in their assessment. These include formal and informal observations, discussions, conversations, questioning, assignments, projects, portfolios, self-assessments, self-reflections, essays, and tests.

Assessment occurs concurrently and seamlessly with instruction. Our courses contain multiple opportunities for students to obtain information about their progress and achievement, and to receive feedback that will help them improve their learning. Students can monitor their own success through the tracking of learning goals and success criteria throughout all courses.

Summative "assessment of learning" activities occur at or near the end of periods of learning. Evidence of student achievement for evaluation is also collected over time from different sources, such as discussions, conversations and observation of the development of the student's learning. Using multiple sources of evidence increases the reliability and validity of this evaluation. The evaluations are expressed as a percentage based upon the levels of achievement.

Assessment as Learning	Assessment for Learning	Assessment of Learning
During each unit, students are asked to keep a log of new terminology they learn throughout the lessons and are asked to define that terminology. This will be a record of what students have learned, and provides a reference point for questions to ask the instructor, and a study guide when it comes to the final examination	Each unit will have a collection of texts that students are required to read, and each lesson will end with a set of questions to determine whether the student has a grasp on the knowledge needed to succeed in the course.	Two formal written assignments are distributed at various points in the course to assess the student's learning on many of the topics studied during lessons. This assignment allows the instructor to see and assess the student's ability to make further connections across texts.
Revising and editing written work is a large aspect of the course, which allows students to correct thinking, expand ideas, and change topics if necessary. Collaborative work between students when it comes to editing and revising is encouraged and suggested as a necessary component to the course.	Peer reviews and instructor consultations are a useful tool for students to assess their own ability to communicate thoughts and ideas, allowing them clarity on which aspects of the course they need to put more focus in.	A mid-term assignment will be distributed to students to assess their Knowledge and Understanding, as well as a summative assignment, which will both act as a way for students to demonstrate their ability to understand and make connections across several different texts.
Students will be utilizing the discussion forums to discuss work and ideas throughout the course, as well as having access to the instructor's email address for any further concerns.	Discussion forums are not only used for discussion, but also as a way to check in on a student's understanding, and to provide a gateway to resources that will aid in their learning and help them to be successful in the course.	The final examination will be the final assessment of the course, and will allow students to demonstrate their understanding of the covered content in the course.

Learning Goals I will be able to read and demonstrate a variety of literary, informational, and graphic texts using a range of strategies to construct meaning I will be able to generate, gather, and organize ideas and information to write for an intended purpose and audience
Success Criteria	Level
	1	2	3	4
I can answer every part of the question
I can write in complete sentences
I can write with correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation
I can relate topics discussed in lessons to the text
I can communicate my ideas using proper paragraph structure
I can use proper terminology learned in class
I can organize my ideas in a logical way to convey meaning
Teacher Feedback:
Student Feedback:

Growing Success articulates the vision the Ministry has for the purpose and structure of assessment and evaluation techniques. There are seven fundamental principles that ensure best practices and procedures of assessment and evaluation by Torontoeschool teachers.
Assessment and evaluations:

1. are fair, transparent, and equitable for all students;
2. support all students, including those with special education needs, those who are learning the language of instruction (English or French), and those who are First Nation, Metis, or Inuit;
3. are carefully planned to relate to the curriculum expectations and learning goals and, as much as possible, to the interests, learning styles and preferences, needs, and experiences of all students;
4. are communicated clearly to students and parents at the beginning of the school year or course and at other appropriate points throughout the school year or course;
5. are ongoing, varied in nature, and administered over a period of time to provide multiple opportunities for students to demonstrate the full range of their learning;
6. provide ongoing descriptive feedback that is clear, specific, meaningful, and timely to support improved learning and achievement
7. develop students' self-assessment skills to enable them to assess their own learning, set specific goals, and plan next steps for their learning.

The evaluation for this course is based on the student's achievement of curriculum expectations and the demonstrated skills required for effective learning.
The percentage grade represents the quality of the student's overall achievement of the expectations for the course and reflects the corresponding level of achievement as described in the achievement chart for this discipline.
A credit is granted and recorded for this course if the student's grade is 50% or higher. The final grade for this course will be determined as follows:

• 70% of the grade will be based upon evaluations conducted throughout the course. This portion of the grade will reflect the student's most consistent level of achievement throughout the course, although special consideration will be given to more recent evidence of achievement.
• 30% of the grade will be based on a final evaluation of a final exam administered at the end of the course.

The general balance of weighting of the categories of the achievement chart throughout the course is

Knowledge and Understanding	25%
Thinking	25%
Communication	25%
Application	25%

Two official report cards are issued - midterm and final. Each report card will focus on two distinct but related aspects of student achievement. First, the achievement of curriculum expectations is reported as a percentage grade. Additionally, the course median is reported as a percentage. The teacher will also provide written comments concerning the student's strengths, areas for improvement and next steps. Second, the learning skills are reported as a letter grade, representing one of four levels of accomplishment. The report cards contain separate sections for the reporting of these two aspects. The report card also indicates whether an OSSD credit has been earned.

Learning resources that reflect the broad range of students' interests, backgrounds, cultures, and experiences are an important aspect of an inclusive English program. In such a program, learning materials involve protagonists of both sexes from a wide variety of backgrounds. Teachers routinely use materials that reflect the diversity of Canadian and world cultures, including those of contemporary First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples, and make them available to students. Short stories, novels, magazine and newspaper articles, television programs, and films provide opportunities for students to explore issues relating to their self-identity. In inclusive programs, students are made aware of the historical, cultural, and political contexts for both the traditional and non-traditional gender and social roles represented in the materials they are studying. Stories, novels, informational texts, and media works relating to the immigrant experience provide rich thematic material for study, as well as the opportunity for students new to Canada to share their knowledge and experiences with others. In addition, in the context of the English program, both students and teachers should become aware of aspects of intercultural communication - for example, by exploring how different cultures interpret the use of eye contact and body language in conversation and during presentations. Resources should be chosen not only to reflect diversity but also on the basis of their appeal for both girls and boys in the classroom. Recent research has shown that many boys are interested in informational materials, such as manuals and graphic texts, as opposed to works of fiction, which are often more appealing to girls. Both sexes read Internet materials, such as website articles, e-mail, and chat messages, outside the classroom. The development of critical thinking skills is integral to the English curriculum. In the context of what is now called "critical literacy", these skills include the ability to identify perspectives, values, and issues; detect bias; and read for implicit as well as overt meaning. In the English program, students develop the ability to detect negative bias and stereotypes in literary texts and informational materials. When using biased informational texts, or literary works containing negative stereotypes, for the express purpose of critical analysis, teachers must take into account the potential negative impact of bias on students and use appropriate strategies to address students' responses. Critical literacy also involves asking questions and challenging the status quo, and leads students to look at issues of power and justice in society. The program empowers students by enabling them to express themselves and to speak out about issues that strongly affect them. Literature studies and media studies also afford both students and teachers a unique opportunity to explore the social and emotional impact of bullying, violence, and discrimination in the form of racism, sexism, or homophobia on individuals and families.

The purpose of the achievement chart is to:

1. provide a common framework that encompasses all curriculum expectations for all courses;
2. guide the development of high-quality assessment tasks and tools;
3. help teachers plan instruction for learning;
4. assist teachers in providing meaningful feedback to students;
5. provide various categories/criteria with which to assess and evaluate students' learning.

The achievement chart provides a reference point for all assessment practice and a framework within which achievement will be assessed and evaluated.

1. The chart is organized into four broad criteria; Knowledge / Understanding, Thinking / Investigation, Communication, and Application.
2. The achievement chart describes the levels of achievement of the curriculum expectations within each subset of criteria.
3. The "descriptor" indicates the characteristic of performance, with respect to a particular criterion, on which assessment or evaluation is focused.
4. A specific "qualifier" is used to define each of the four levels of achievement. It is used along with a descriptor to produce a description of performance at a particular level.
5. The following table provides a summary description of achievement in each percentage grade range and corresponding level of achievement:

Overview of the Achievement Chart
Percentage Grade Range	Description of the Level of Literacy Achieved
80-100%	A skilful and effective performance in reading and writing. The student has significantly exceeded the level of literacy required for graduation, and earns a credit for the course.
65-79%	Performance that shows considerable skill in reading and writing. The student has exceeded the level of literacy required for graduation, and earns a credit for the course.
50-64%	Performance that shows moderate skill in reading and writing. The student has achieved the level of literacy required for graduation, and earns a credit for the course.
0-49%	Performance that shows limited reading and writing skills. The student may be approaching the level of literacy required for graduation but cannot be deemed to have met the requirement and does not earn a credit for the course.

A mark of 50 per cent represents both a pass in the course and the achievement of the literacy standard required for graduation.

Categories	Approaching the Required Level of Literacy 0-49%	Achieving the Required Level of Literacy 50-64%	Exceeding the Required Level of Literacy 65-79%	Significantly Exceeding the Required Level of Literacy 80-100%
Knowledge and Understanding
	The student:
- knowledge of forms of texts (e.g., of various forms of informational, narrative, and graphic texts)	demonstrates limited knowledge of content	demonstrates some knowledge of content	demonstrates considerable knowledge of content	demonstrates thorough knowledge of content
- understanding of texts read (e.g., understanding of directly stated and indirectly stated information and ideas; understanding of relationships between ideas; understanding of concepts and themes)	demonstrates limited understanding of content	demonstrates some understanding of content	demonstrates considerable understanding of content	demonstrates thorough and insightful understanding of content
- knowledge of strategies, processes, and conventions (e.g., reading strategies; the writing process; conventions of grammar, usage, and spelling)	demonstrates limited knowledge of strategies, processes, and conventions	demonstrates adequate knowledge of strategies, processes, and conventions	demonstrates considerable knowledge of strategies, processes, and conventions	demonstrates thorough knowledge of strategies, processes, and conventions
- understanding of the importance of reading and writing skills (e.g., for learning in all subjects; in the workplace)	demonstrates limited understanding of the importance of literacy skills	demonstrates a reasonable understanding of the importance of literacy skills	demonstrates considerable understanding of the importance of literacy skills	demonstrates thorough understanding of the importance of literacy skills
Thinking/Inquiry
	The student:
- critical and creative thinking skills (e.g., in reading: making inferences, connecting ideas, integrating personal knowledge to extend meaning; in writing: developing ideas; selecting, evaluating, and organizing information; explaining; forming conclusions)	demonstrates limited competence in using critical and creative thinking skills	demonstrates moderate competence in using critical and creative thinking skills	demonstrates considerable competence in using critical and creative thinking skills	demonstrates a high degree of competence in using critical and creative thinking skills
- self-assessment skills (e.g., setting goals for improving reading and writing skills; reflecting on and assessing progress)	demonstrates limited competence in using self-assessment skills	demonstrates moderate competence in using self-assessment skills	demonstrates considerable competence in using self-assessment skills	demonstrates a high degree of competence in using self-assessment skills
Communication
	The student:
- communication of ideas and information (e.g., in reading responses; in writing pieces)	communicates ideas and information with limited clarity	communicates ideas and information with moderate clarity	communicates ideas and information with considerable clarity	communicates ideas and information with a high degree of clarity
- communication for different audiences and purposes (e.g., choice of tone and language)	communicates ideas and information for different audiences and purposes with limited appropriateness	communicates ideas and information for different audiences and purposes with limited appropriateness	communicates ideas and information for different audiences and purposes appropriately and effectively	communicates ideas and information for different audiences and purposes appropriately and with a high degree of effectiveness
- use of various forms of communication (e.g., summaries, information paragraphs, opinion pieces, news reports)	demonstrates limited command of the various forms	demonstrates moderate command of the various forms	demonstrates considerable command of the various forms	demonstrates extensive command of the various forms
Application
	The student:
- application of required language conventions (e.g., grammar, usage, spelling, punctuation)	uses the required language conventions with limited accuracy and effectiveness	uses the required language conventions with a moderate degree of accuracy and effectiveness	uses the required language conventions with considerable accuracy and effectiveness	uses the required language conventions with a high degree of accuracy and effectiveness
- application of reading strategies (e.g., skimming, scanning, using cues from context)	uses reading strategies with limited competence	uses reading strategies with moderate competence	uses reading strategies with considerable competence	uses reading strategies with a high degree of competence
- application of the writing process (e.g., development and organization of ideas; revision)	uses the writing process with limited competence	uses the writing process with moderate competence	uses the writing process with considerable competence	uses the writing process with a high degree of competence
- application of literacy skills in new contexts (e.g., reading a new text; writing about a previously unfamiliar topic)	uses literacy skills in new contexts with limited effectiveness	uses literacy skills in new contexts with moderate effectiveness	uses literacy skills in new contexts with considerable effectiveness	uses literacy skills in new contexts with a high degree of effectiveness

Note: A student whose achievement is below 50% at the end of a course will not obtain a credit for the course.

• Access to OLC4O online course of study
• Access to a scanner or digital camera
• Access to a word-processing software
• Access to Google and various online resources
• Access to Youtube

Reference Texts

This course is entirely online and does not require or rely on any textbook.

Teachers who are planning a program in this subject will make an effort to take into account considerations for program planning that align with the Ontario Ministry of Education policy and initiatives in a number of important areas

1. Education for students with special education needs
2. Environmental education
3. Equity and inclusive education
4. Financial literacy education
5. Ontario First Nations, Metis, and Inuit education
6. Role of information and communications technology
7. English language learners
8. Career education
9. Cooperative education and other workplace experiences
10. Health and safety

1. Education for Students with Special Education Needs:

Torontoeschool is committed to ensuring that all students are provided with the learning opportunities and supports they require to gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to succeed in a rapidly changing society. The context of special education and the provision of special education programs and services for exceptional students in Ontario are constantly evolving. Provisions included in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Ontario Human Rights Code have driven some of these changes. Others have resulted from the evolution and sharing of best practices related to the teaching and assessment of students with special educational needs.

The provision of special education programs and services for students at Torontoeschool rests within a legal framework The Education Act and the regulations related to it set out the legal responsibilities pertaining to special education. They provide comprehensive procedures for the identification of exceptional pupils, for the placement of those pupils in educational settings where the special education programs and services appropriate to their needs can be delivered, and for the review of the identification of exceptional pupils and their placement.

Teachers will take into account the needs of exceptional students as set out in the students' Individual Education Plan. The online courses offer a vast array of opportunities for students with special educations needs to acquire the knowledge and skills required for our evolving society. Students who use alternative techniques for communication may find a venue to use these special skills in these courses. There are a number of technical and learning aids that can assist in meeting the needs of exceptional students as set out in their Individual Education Plan. In the process of taking their online course, students may use a personal amplification system, tela-typewriter (via Bell relay service), an oral or a sign-language interpreter, a scribe, specialized computer programs, time extensions, ability to change font size, oral readers, etc.

2. Environmental Education:

Environmental education teaches students about how the planet's physical and biological systems work, and how we can create a more sustainable future. Good curriculum design allows environmental issues and topics to be woven in and out of the online course content. This ensures that the student will have opportunities to acquire the knowledge, skills, perspectives and practices needed to become an environmentally literate citizen. The online course should provide opportunities for each student to address environmental issues in their home, in their local community, or even at the global level.

3. Equity and Inclusive Education:

Torontoeschool is taking important steps to reduce discrimination and embrace diversity in our online school in order to improve overall student achievement and reduce achievement gaps due to discrimination. The Ontario Equity and Inclusive Education Strategy was launched in April 2009 and states that all members of the Torontoeschool community are to be treated with respect and dignity. This strategy is helping Torontoeschool educators better identify and remove discriminatory biases and systemic barriers to student achievement. These barriers related to racism, sexism, homophobia and other forms of discrimination may prevent some students from reaching their full potential. The strategy supports the Ministry's key education priorities of high student achievement, reduced gaps in student achievement and increased accountability and public confidence in Ontario's schools. Students, regardless of their background or personal circumstances, must be given every opportunity to reach their full potential. Research shows that when students feel welcomed and accepted in their school, they are more likely to succeed academically. Torontoeschool desires to create a culture of high expectations where factors such as race, age, gender, sexual orientation and socio-economic status do not prevent students from achieving ambitious outcomes.

4. Financial Literacy Education:

Financial literacy may be defined as having the knowledge and skills needed to make responsible economic and financial decisions with competence and confidence. Since making financial decisions has become an increasingly complex task in the modern world, students need to have knowledge in various areas and a wide range of skills in order to make informed decisions about financial matters. Students need to be aware of risks that accompany various financial choices. They need to develop an understanding of world economic forces as well as ways in which they themselves can respond to those influences and make informed choices. Torontoeschool considers it essential that financial literacy be considered an important attribute of a well-educated population. In addition to acquiring knowledge in such specific areas as saving, spending, borrowing, and investing, students need to develop skills in problem solving, inquiry, decision making, critical thinking, and critical literacy related to financial and other issues. The goal is to help students acquire the knowledge and skills that will enable them to understand and respond to complex issues regarding their own personal finances and the finances of their families, as well as to develop an understanding of local and global effects of world economic forces and the social, environmental, and ethical implications of their own choices as consumers. The Ministry of Education and Torontoeschool are working to embed financial literacy expectations and opportunities in all courses as appropriate, as part of the ongoing curriculum review process.

5. Ontario First Nations, Metis, and Inuit Education:

First Nation, Metis, and Inuit students in Ontario will need to have the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to successfully complete their elementary and secondary education in order to pursue postsecondary education or training and/or to enter the workforce. They will need to have the traditional and contemporary knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to be socially contributive, politically active, and economically prosperous citizens of the world. All students in Ontario will need to have knowledge and appreciation of contemporary and traditional First Nation, Metis, and Inuit traditions, cultures, and perspectives. Torontoeschool and the Ministry of Education are committed to First Nation, Metis, and Inuit student success. Torontoeschool teachers are committed to (1) developing strategies that will increase the capacity of the education system to respond to the learning and cultural needs of First Nation, Metis, and Inuit students; (2) providing quality programs, services, and resources to help create learning opportunities for First Nation, Metis, and Inuit students that support improved academic achievement and identity building; (3) providing a curriculum that facilitates learning about contemporary and traditional First Nation, Metis, and Inuit cultures, histories, and perspectives among all students where possible; and (4) developing and implementing strategies that facilitate increased participation by First Nation, Metis, and Inuit parents, students, communities, and organizations in working to support the academic success of the student.

6. The Role of Information and Communications Technology in the Curriculum.

Information literacy is the ability to access, select, gather, critically evaluate, and create information. Communication literacy refers to the ability to communicate information and to use the information obtained to solve problems and make decisions. Information and communications technologies are utilized by all Torontoeschool students when the situation is appropriate within their online course. As a result, students will develop transferable skills through their experience with word processing, internet research, presentation software, and telecommunication tools, as would be expected in any other course or any business environment.

7. English Language Learners:

This Torontoeschool online course can provide a wide range of options to address the needs of ESL/ELD students. This online course must be flexible in order to accommodate the needs of students who require instruction in English as a second language or English literacy development. The Torontoeschool teacher considers it to be their responsibility to help students develop their ability to use the English language properly. Appropriate modifications to teaching, learning, and evaluation strategies in this course may be made in order to help students gain proficiency in English, since students taking English as a second language at the secondary level have limited time in which to develop this proficiency. This online course can provide a wide range of options to address the needs of ESL/ELD students. Well written content will aid ESL students in mastering not only the content of this course, but as well, the English language and all of its idiosyncrasies. Torontoeschool has created course content to enrich the student's learning experience. In addition, since many occupations in Canada require employees with capabilities in the English language, many students will learn English language skills which can contribute to their success in the larger world.

8. Career Education:

As the online student progresses through their online course, their teacher is available to help the student prepare for employment in a huge number of diverse areas. With the help of their teacher, students will learn to set and achieve goals and will gain experience in making meaningful decisions concerning their career choices. The skills, knowledge and creativity that students acquire through this online course are essential for a wide range of careers. Throughout their secondary school education, students will learn about the educational and career opportunities that are available to them; explore and evaluate a variety of those opportunities; relate what they learn in their courses to potential careers in a variety of fields; and learn to make appropriate educational and career choices.

9. Cooperative Education and Other Workplace Experiences:

By applying the skills they have developed, students will readily connect their classroom learning to real-life activities in the world in which they live. Cooperative education and other workplace experiences will broaden their knowledge of employment opportunities in a wide range of fields. In addition, students will increase their understanding of workplace practices and the nature of the employer-employee relationship. Torontoeschool teachers will try to help students link to Ministry programs to ensure that students have information concerning programs and opportunities.

10. Health and Safety:

Although health and safety issues are not usually associated with language education, they may be important when the learning involves fieldwork. Out-of-school fieldwork can provide an exciting and authentic dimension to students' learning experiences. Teachers must preview and plan these activities carefully to protect students' health and safety.