The Education Gadfly Show #961: How “No Excuses” charter schools went off the rails, with Steven Wilson
Mar 19, 2025
Steven Wilson, a senior fellow at the Pioneer Institute and author of "The Lost Decade," critiques the shift in No Excuses charter schools toward modern ideologies that often overlook effective teaching. He argues this shift has negatively impacted marginalized students by prioritizing discussions on structural racism over rigorous academic standards. They also dive into the challenges charter schools face after the pandemic, and examine a study on virtual tutoring that reveals how educators' attention varies among students, influenced by various demographics.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Wilson's Background and Ascend Learning
- Steven Wilson's book, "The Lost Decade", stems from his experience leading Ascend Learning, a charter network in Brooklyn.
- He saw firsthand how a shift in focus from effective teaching towards addressing structural racism impacted these schools.
Misunderstanding "No Excuses"
- The "no excuses" philosophy in charter schools focused on adult accountability, not punishing students.
- It aimed to eliminate excuses for low achievement by focusing on high-quality teaching within the school's control.
Shifting Focus and Parent Demands
- While some charter school practices were deemed excessive, the core issue was a shift from achievement to structural racism.
- This overlooked the initial parent demand for order and safety, crucial for learning in underserved communities.
