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Reader question: Please explain this sentence, “cherry picking” in particular – Charter schools are sometimes accused of cherry picking students to achieve better test scores than district schools. My comments: First of all, charter schools and district schools are all public schools in the United States. The difference is that charter schools enjoy better funding (sponsorship) and generally produce better academic results and accountability. Accountability means if results disappoint, questions will be asked and answered. In other words, heads may roll if teachers or administrators are found guilty of negligence or wrongdoing. Sorry for drifting away from the focal point of discussion here - I took the time to explain accountability, you see, because it’s something rarely seen in this country. Or, put it another way, something we would like to see more often to be sure. Anyways, sorry for being distracted. The focal point of discussion here is cherry picking. When charter schools are accused of cherry picking students, opponents are essentially saying that charter schools produce better academic results because they enroll better students. In China, it is comparable to the same argument we hear once in a while that Beida and Qinghua produce better graduates because they have cherry picked the best students from throughout the country to begin with. This is a moot point. I say we’ve got to give credit where it’s due and commend Beida and Qinghua for the work faculties put in. Besides, it’s not like they bring nothing but talented and honorable graduates into society. For all that I care to know, these two big schools produce their share of con men, crooks, criminals that wreck havoc to families and society at large. | 
