How Public Schools Cherry-Pick Their Students

Public schools are supposed to be open to all students, regardless of their background or ability. However, there is a growing body of evidence that many public schools are cherry-picking their students. This means that they are using various tactics to attract and enroll students who are more likely to succeed, while leaving behind students who are more likely to need extra support.

There are a number of reasons why public schools might cherry-pick their students. One reason is that schools are often judged on their academic performance. Schools with high test scores and graduation rates are seen as being more successful, and they are more likely to receive funding and support from the government. As a result, schools may feel pressured to enroll students who are more likely to perform well on standardized tests.

Another reason for cherry-picking is that schools are often competing for students. This is particularly true in urban areas, where there may be a large number of schools vying for a limited number of students. Schools may use a variety of tactics to attract students, such as offering special programs or services, or by marketing themselves as being more successful than other schools.

There are a number of consequences of cherry-picking. One consequence is that it can create a two-tiered system of education, where some students have access to better schools and resources than others. This can lead to a widening of the achievement gap between different groups of students.

Another consequence of cherry-picking is that it can leave behind students who are more likely to need extra support. These students may not be able to access the same resources or opportunities as students who are enrolled in more successful schools. As a result, they may be more likely to drop out of school or to struggle academically.

There are a number of things that can be done to address the problem of cherry-picking. One solution is to change the way that schools are funded. Currently, schools are often funded based on the number of students they enroll. This system can create an incentive for schools to cherry-pick their students. A more equitable system would be to fund schools based on the needs of their students.

Another solution is to create more open enrollment policies. Currently, many students are assigned to schools based on their home address. This can limit their options and make it difficult for them to attend a school that is a good fit for them. Open enrollment policies would allow students to choose the school that they want to attend, regardless of where they live.

Finally, it is important to hold schools accountable for their enrollment practices. Schools should be required to disclose their admissions policies and to provide data on the demographics of their student body. This information can be used to identify schools that are cherry-picking their students and to take steps to address the problem.

Cherry-picking is a serious problem in public education. It can create a two-tiered system of education, leave behind students who need extra support, and lead to a widening of the achievement gap. There are a number of things that can be done to address this problem, such as changing the way that schools are funded, creating more open enrollment policies, and holding schools accountable for their enrollment practices.