Placement algorithm must be fixed to end annual CSSPS chaos – Divine Kpe

Divine Kpe, an Education Research and Policy Analyst, has urged the Ministry of Education to urgently review and enhance the algorithm behind the Computerized School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) to end the persistent issues surrounding the placement process. Speaking on JoyNews The Pulse, Mr Kpe highlighted that the extensive queues and complaints, particularly in Accra and Kumasi, indicate that the system is riddled with weaknesses that must be addressed.

Mr Kpe noted that many complaints from students and parents extend beyond the inability to secure preferred schools; some students are being assigned to schools they did not select, while others receive residential statuses contrary to their preferences or placed in distant schools. To improve the efficiency of the system, the analyst emphasized that accurate placement of learners should be the primary focus.

He questioned why similar problems persist despite the Ghanaian government operating the computerized placement system for several years, suggesting that a comprehensive audit is necessary to pinpoint the root causes of the recurring errors. Mr Kpe asserted that while the percentage of automatically placed students has increased over the years, mere automatic placement does not guarantee accurate placement.

He stressed that the distinction lies in accurately placing students in their desired schools. The high demand for Category A schools is another factor contributing to the pressure on the placement system, with a capacity of 76,000 places being utilized by over 300,000 students who selected Category A schools. Mr Kpe proposed that policymakers should analyze the situation to reduce the concentration of demand on a limited number of institutions.

He also pointed out that the introduction of a policy allowing students to know their results before selecting schools could help assess whether the system is being misused. By entering their grades, students should be prevented from proceeding if they do not meet the criteria for their selected schools. Mr Kpe called for the Ministry to determine whether the high number of Category A selections reflect genuine qualifications and demand or if some students are selecting schools without meeting the required standards.

He believes that the findings should guide further reforms to the CSSPS, making the placement process more precise, efficient, and less stressful for students and parents. While he does not anticipate the placement exercise becoming entirely free of challenges, Mr Kpe believes that enhancing the system's accuracy would significantly alleviate the annual crisis.