Public Education on computerized school selection system

Kade, July 8, GNA- The Ministry of Education, Science and Sports in conjunction with the Ghana Education Service is undertaking a nation-wide public education campaign on the 2007 Computerized School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) in the Kwaebibirem District of the Eastern Region.

The programme, which was organised for Basic Education Certificate (BECE) candidates, teachers of junior Secondary School (J.S.S), parents and other stakeholders, sensitised participants on know the CSSPS system was being operated.

Speaking at separate public forums at Asuom, Akwatia and Kade in the District, Mr. Samuel Agyekum, the District Examination Officer, urged teachers to assist candidates in to register for examinations to avoid errors and to ensure that the choice of schools and programmes tally with the candidate's verifiable academic performance. He lamented that candidates committed numerous errors, which affected their placement in schools and programmes and cited instance of boys being placed in girls' schools and vice versa. Mr. Agyekum advised J.S.S. teachers to keep reliable data on the performances of students to help candidates to select the appropriate schools and programmes.

He reminded the public that the placement of candidates in schools and programmes was determined by their performance at the BECE, available vacancies and choice of programmes and schools. Mr Agyekum warned head teachers against registering students from other schools for the BECE and alterations on registration forms, which he said was criminal.

He said the CSSPS had eliminated protocol allocations and 30 per cent reservation of admissions to local candidates. Mr. Richard Amanor, District Director of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), advised participants collaborate with traditional rulers, assembly members and other opinion leaders to ensure that system worked. Mr, Yaw Korankye Gyamera, Assistant Director of Education In-charge of Finance and Administration, observed that before the introduction of the CSSPS, rural students found it difficult to gain admission to top schools but that had now changed. Mr. George Aboagye, the Presiding Member of the District Assembly, asked heads of schools to ensure that the BECE forms were correctly filled.