The CSSPS is the acronym for Computerized School Selection and Placement System. It is an automated merit-based computerized system that has replaced the laborious Manual System of Selection and Placement (MSSP) of qualified BECE candidates into the second cycle (Senior High Schools (SHS) and Technical/Vocational) institutions in Ghana.
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When was CSSPS Introduced
The CSSPS was introduced in 2005 as part of the Ministry of Education (MOE) and Ghana Education Service (GES) grand plan of programmes and interventions intended to expand access and improve the quality of education through teaching and learning as well as curricular development. The enactment of programmes and interventions was facilitated with the support of stakeholders in education who also include Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and development partners.
What was the Purpose of CSSPS?
The main purposes for the introduction of the CSSPS were;
- To improve and enhance efficiency in the school transition process (that is transition from Junior High School to Senior High School);
- Increase transparency, fairness, and cost-effectiveness.
- To increase access and participation in secondary education and finally to ensure equity and speed in the selection and placement process (Ajayi, 2009)
To be eligible for consideration by the CSSPS process, candidates have to complete specially designed cards and scannable forms for processing by computer software that was specifically and specially developed for the system. Since 2005, the process of selection and placement into senior high school, secondary technical, and vocational school has been computerized. (The European Journal of Educational Sciences, June 2020)
Objectives of CSSPS
The main objectives for the introduction of the CSSPS were promotion efficiency, transparency, fairness and equity, and speed in selection and placement.
CSSPS Placement
The main features of the CSSPS are as follows;
- Selection is based on scores of six subjects.
- A total of six subjects are used for the selection; this comprises four core subjects and two other best subjects.
- The core subjects are English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies for Senior High Schools (SHS). For technical institutions, Pre-Technical Skills replace Social Studies as the fourth core subject.
Requirement for School Selection and Placement
- To qualify for selection and placement candidates’ grades in any of the four core subjects should not exceed five.
- The minimum grade for each of the best other two subjects should not exceed six and if added to the four core subjects must not exceed an aggregate of 30.
- A candidate whose grade for any of the core subjects exceeds five or is canceled by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) will be deemed as not qualified for selection and placement.
CSSPS Placement Checker
Easy ways to check your WAEC BECE results on mobile phone
Source: Babah, P.A (2020). Computerized School Selection and Placement System in Ghana: Challenges and The way forward. European Journal of Educational Sciences. 7(2), 70 – 80.
