”No excuses” charter schools: Teaching to the script

”No excuses” charter schools: Teaching to the script

Author: Ethical Schools August 19, 2021 Duration: 30:15

We speak with Dr. Joanne Golann of Vanderbilt University, author of “Scripting the Moves: Culture and Control in a No Excuses Charter School.” Corporate-run charter networks instill obedience and conformity above all else, leaving nothing to chance (or creativity). We look at the academic and social outcomes of “no excuses” schools, and the reasons for their lavish funding. 

Overview

00:00-00:51 Intros

00:51-03:35 “No excuses” charter schools: what they are; what they do well; what they do poorly or not at all

03:35-05:35 Scripts for students and teachers and why these schools rely on them

05:35-07:05 Impact of scripts on students

07:05- 09:34 Teachers’ reactions; turnover rates

09:34-12:34 How students do after graduation

12:34-14:04 Selection process and its effects

14:04-15:23 Student attrition rates

15:23-17:43 “No excuses” results in schools without selection processes

17:43-18:48 Seen as a niche or solution to the system as a whole?

18:48-20:38 Impact of district public schools in their area

20:38-21:42 Types of citizenship skills that are developed and not developed

21:42-22:54 Individual-focused approach to equity

22:54-24:17 Parents’ roles

24:17-25:57 Relationships with communities

25:57-27:32 Difficulties in attempts to change “no excuses” culture in aftermath of George Floyd’s murder


Conversations about education often focus on test scores and curriculum, but there’s a deeper layer that truly shapes a student’s experience. Ethical Schools digs into that layer, exploring what it means to build a learning community grounded in integrity and care. Each week, hosts Amy and Jon sit down with educators and innovators who are actively reimagining schools. You’ll hear specific, grounded discussions about the practical work of creating environments where every student feels safe and respected. The dialogue frequently addresses how to support young people dealing with trauma, moving beyond theory to share actionable strategies that teachers are using right now. More than just problem-solving, this podcast highlights how to empower students themselves to become advocates and changemakers in their own communities. It’s a series that connects philosophy with daily practice, looking at the social and cultural structures within schools through a lens of ethics. For anyone invested in the future of education-whether you’re a teacher, administrator, or simply a concerned community member-this podcast offers a thoughtful and necessary perspective on the foundational values that make education meaningful.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 240

Ethical Schools
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