CSSPS Coordinator explains why English is used before Maths to break SHS placement ties

The Coordinator of the Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS), Sherif Sulemana, has clarified why English is prioritized over Mathematics to break ties between candidates during the Senior High School (SHS) placement process. This clarification comes in response to concerns regarding how the placement system determines priority when multiple candidates have identical aggregate scores and are competing for seats in the same institution or program.

During an interview on JoyFM’s Super Morning Show on September 8, Sulemana explained that candidates are initially ranked based on their aggregate scores. Following this, the system considers their chosen schools, program selections, and available spaces. Instead of relying solely on raw scores, these factors are only taken into account when candidates share the same aggregate.

For instance, if one student has an aggregate score of 10 and another has an aggregate score of 11, the candidate with the lower aggregate score will be given priority if both are applying to the same school.

However, if both candidates have the same aggregate score, the system turns to raw scores to differentiate between them. For example, if a candidate has an aggregate score of 10 and another has an aggregate score of 11, the candidate with the aggregate score of 10 would be placed first. When both candidates have the same aggregate score of 10, the system then utilizes their raw scores to determine the ranking.

The Coordinator further elaborated that if candidates still have the same aggregate and raw scores, the next tie-breaking mechanism involves comparing their English raw scores. If the raw scores in English are also identical, Mathematics is considered next. This approach has led to questions about the rationale behind prioritizing English over Mathematics, particularly for students aiming for programs that heavily rely on Mathematics and Science-related subjects.

Sulemana defended the current system, stating that English serves as a universal subject taken by candidates across various programs, offering a consistent standard to evaluate tied candidates.

He emphasized that English is a general subject chosen by students pursuing different programs, thereby enabling the application of a uniform criterion when candidates remain tied. According to Sulemana, the placement system initially focuses on shared subjects before implementing additional criteria when necessary. This method ensures a fair and equitable comparison among candidates, especially in programs where proficiency in English is crucial.