Abstract:
The introduction of the Computerized School Selection and Placement System
(CSSPS) was in line with the government’s long-term objective of universal basic
education, through the expansion and increasing of access to senior high and tertiary
education. However, since the implementation of the CSSPS, not much studies have
been done on the prospects and challenges of the CSSPS in Ghana. Based on this
research gap, the purpose of the study was to examine the prospects and challenges of
the CSSPS in Ghana. The population of the study included students, teachers, parents,
Head Masters and Municipal Education Directors particularly within the Greater
Kumasi. A sample size of 50 participants were selected through purposive sampling.
A qualitative study was thus conducted on prospects and challenges of the CSSPS in
the Greater Kumasi of Ghana involving multiple stakeholders such students, teachers,
parents, Head Masters and Municipal Education Directors. Data were collected using
interview guides and were analysed by employing thematic analytical framework. The
study revealed that participants’ perception for the implementation of the CSSPS were
fast track placement of students, fair distribution of students, reduced tendencies for
bribery and corruption, reduced pressure on parents (in terms of cost and time) and
minimizing human errors. The study revealed that the prospects of the implementation
of the Senior High School CSSPS were easy placement of qualified students, equal
opportunities to all students and reduced cost of placement. The study found that the
challenges of the implementation of the CSSPS were low probability of securing one's
preferred schools, refusal to accept placement into some schools, under declaration of
the carrying capacity in Schools, errors in placement of students, inadequate boarding
infrastructure and rejection of some Students by the CSSPS. The study revealed that
the strategies to address the challenges associated with the CSSPS were provision of
infrastructure, avenue for reposting in rare cases, avenue to select a school as a day
student and resit for students who could not get placement in any school. The
identified prospects and challenges thus are imperative in informing stakeholders on
actions and steps that must be taken to improve upon the efficiency of the
CSSPS.Based on the findings, the study recommended for continuous Stakeholder
Orientation on the CSSPS, improvement of the system to minimize errors, improved
monitoring and supervision of CSSPS and expansion in infrastructure
Description:
A thesis in the Department of Educational Administration and Management
Faculty of Educational Studies, submitted to the School of
Graduate Studies in partial fulfilment
of the requirements for the award of the degree of
Master of Philosophy
(Educational Administration and Management)
in the University of Education, Winneba
