PolicyGuidelines

CSSPS POLICY GUIDELINES

For the 2010 Edition the following guidelines will be used in the implementation of the Selection and Placement process.

1. The use of Raw Scores of Candidates
   The computerized system will use the total processed raw scores of five subjects instead of grades of each candidate for the selection.
2. Selection based on five Subjects
   
   
   
   1. The number of subjects for selection into Senior Secondary Schools is five (5), and which comprises Core Subjects namely; English Language, Mathematics, Integrated Science, Social Studies and one (1) other best subject.
   
   
   2. For Technical Institutes the subjects are English Language, Mathematics, Integrated Science, Basic Design and Technology and one (1) other best subject.
   
   
3. Choice of Schools from regions
   
   
   
   1. Under the CSSPS, a candidate is free to select six schools from any number of Regions preferred. This is possible because all selection and placement of candidates will be done by the computer in one location.
   
   
   2. Each candidate will have six (6) choices of schools and programs as follows:
      
      
      
      1. First choice – School and Programme
      
      
      2. Second choice – School and Programme
      
      
      3. Third choice – School and Programme
      
      
      4. Fourth choice – School and Programme
      
      
      5. Fifth choice – School and Programme
      
      
      6. Sixth choice – School and Programme
      
      
      
      
   
   
   3. Where there is a problem of non-placement after the 6th Choice, such candidates will be listed and the list will be processed by the CSSPS Secretariat as special cases.
   
   
4. The use Scaling Factor to address Urban-Rural Admission disparity
   A scaling factor of 0 – 10 will be used for Public Schools as a mechanism to address the disparity or the gap between the disadvantaged rural candidate and the well-endowed urban candidate. Further, 30% Allocation of vacancies declared will be reserved for Public Schools and the 70% competed for by both the Public and Private. These should be factored into the design of the software.
5. 10% Catchment Area Allocation (To be considered as Special Admissions)
   This includes candidates for Seminaries and requests of key stakeholders.
6. Displacement
   
   
   
   1. Selection on Merit
      The computer places all candidates into their first choice schools using the ranking order. The raw scores of each candidate are used to do the ranking. Displacement of 1st choice candidates and 2nd choice candidates as a matter of
   
   
   2. Merit or better performance
      The ranking may displace 1st choice candidates with 2nd choice candidates, etc.This principle also applies to placement of all candidates and is on merit and not choice.
   
   
7. Selection at Cut-off Point
   In the case of a tie in raw scores between candidates at cut-off point during selection, the computer considers key subjects in a chosen Programme and selects the candidate with the highest score in the key subjects. For example, the key subjects for the Science Programme are English Language, Mathematics, Science and Basic Design and Technology.
   
   Table 1 below shows the key subjects which determine a candidate’s chances of offering a particular Programme in the case of a tie at the cut-off. This means that the candidate must score highest marks in a set of key subjects in order to qualify for a corresponding Programme in a selection at cut-off point.

Program	Key Subject
1. General Science	English Language Mathematics Science Basic Design & Technology
2. General Arts	English Language Mathematics Social Studies Science
3. Agriculture	English Language Mathematics Science Social Studies
4. Business	English Language Mathematics Social Studies Science
5. Home Economics	English Language Mathematics Social Studies Basic Design & Technology
6. Visual Arts	English Language Mathematics Social Studies Basic Design & Technology
7. Technical	English Language Mathematics Basic Design & Technology Science

2011 SELECTION/PLACEMENT NOTES

The following are documented here for reference purposes to guide the exercise in 2011, except otherwise reviewed:

1. he names of categories will be changed to reflect these approved names – First Selection Category, Second Selection Category, Third Selection Category and so on in that order.


2. The number of schools chosen will be reduced from Six (6) to four (4). There will also be a fifth choice – a District. Where a Day School is preferred by the candidate, proximity will be considered. See also note under (3 iii) above under Choice of schools in Regions.