Lost Debate Education Reform’s Identity Crisis
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May 22, 2025 Steven Wilson, the founder of Ascend Charter Schools and author of 'The Lost Decade,' dives into the intricate world of education reform. He candidly shares his controversial exit from Ascend and critiques how DEI orthodoxy is reshaping educational priorities. They explore the tension between academic excellence and evolving cultural norms, while questioning the influence of funders on school values. Wilson advocates for rigorous yet inclusive school cultures, emphasizing the importance of core knowledge and accountability to genuinely uplift students.
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Ascend Schools' Mission and Controversy
- Steven Wilson described Ascend Charter Schools' mission to provide a liberal arts education to disadvantaged kids at public expense.
- He faced controversy after a blog post criticizing certain anti-racist DEI practices linked to claims they devalued academic rigor.
Building Excellent Schools' High Standards
- Building Excellent Schools trained elite school founders with rigorous expectations and visits to top-performing schools.
- The program emphasized urgency, discipline, and exposure to best practices across the country.
Leadership Clashes at Building Excellent Schools
- Linda Brown ran BES with a strict, urgent ethos, pushing fellows hard and sometimes being very direct to test their suitability.
- Sue Walsh left after opposing views on anti-racist ideology took hold in the organization.
