Efficacy of the Computerised Schools Selection and Placement System in Bono Region of Ghana

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to provide a proposal for discussion on the future of the Computerised Schools Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) as a means of selecting and placing Junior High School (JHS) candidates into Senior High Schools (SHSs) in Ghana. The cross-sectional descriptive design and the multi-stage stratified random sampling procedure were used for the study. The sample consisted of 170 SHS 1 students, 102 JHS 3 candidates, 55 parents and 8 headmasters. The main instrument used for the collection of data was the questionnaire. The statistical tool employed in all cases for the analysis of the research questions were frequencies and percentages. The findings of the study indicated that to a very large extent, the objectives of the CSSPS (reducing stress of parents, eliminating human errors in the placement process, etc.) have been met. However, parents have the perception that corruption and protocol admissions still exist under the CSSPS especially at the secretariat. The study recommended that on the issue of corruption and protocol admission, the Ministry of Education should set up a special team to investigate the issues as they pertain to the CSSPS Secretariat and offenders brought to justice. In order to increase transition to SHS, the Ministry of Education should endeavour to expand the infrastructure in existing senior high schools in the region so as to increase access.

Keywords

• efficacy
• computerised schools selection
• junior high school
• placement system
• senior high school
• protocol admission