Is the CSSPS effective?

Is the Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) for Basic Education Certificate Examination (B.E.C.E) students a failure? Ground realities signal that the answer is “yes.”

The Ghana Education Service (GES) council in 2005 introduced the CSSPS after two years of preparatory work to ensure smooth implementation.

The system sought to simplify the process by significantly helping to prevent the predominant human errors that were associated with the manual system, offer a more transparent selection and placement process and reduce high administrative cost.

After 12 years of operation, the CSSPS experience has not been satisfactory and the objectives seem to be elusive. The system is now characterised by many errors and the lack of transparency in the selection and placement process are reported annually. How grades metamorphose into raw scores have also been questioned by stakeholders.

Institutional heads have also had their share of the problems though not publicly admitted for fear of victimisation, coupled with the many pronouncements made on the subject by the court of public opinion over the years. This is gradually reducing the confidence of parents and other stakeholders in the system.

Individuals have expressed concerns on the subject which calls for an overhaul of the system. Dr Prince Armah, a consultant with the Institute of Education Studies, said, “I think it is a challenge, we could do better. In an interview on PM Express, he admitted that the CSSPS was indeed facing challenges and proposed ways of enhancing the system.

Mr Sydney Casely-Hayford, a financial analyst, noted for his objective stance on issues, has also condemned the protocol system adopted by the Ghana Education Service for posting fresh students to the various senior high schools (SHS) in the country. This he shared vehemently on Citi FMs news analysis programme.

It is time for a reassessment of the system involving all stakeholders. The anxiety and frustration among parents and students should end. perceived underhand dealings should be curbed and institutional mechanisms should be put in place to ensure greater transparency in the larger interest of strengthening the educational system in the country.

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