Scripting the Moves: Culture and Control in a “No-Excuses” Charter School

Writing from a sociologist’s perspective, Golann (public policy and education, Vanderbilt Univ.) recounts her field experience at a “no-excuses” charter school. She explains that these types of schools have grown in popularity in urban areas. Such schools put the onus for success directly on students—who are generally low-income, Black, and/or Latinx—by enforcing strict “scripts” governing all aspects of the school day, including how students dress, walk, and sit. Detailed scripts also direct teachers’ classroom management behaviors. Golann provides a thorough, thought-provoking discussion of her research methodology, which included observation and interviews with students, teachers, administrators, and parents. Readers will learn that while no-excuses charter schools might indeed prepare students academically for college, they generally do not equip students with the tools and skills required for college and career success, such as expressing opinions, advocating for resources, developing flexibility and leadership abilities, and interacting with a variety of people. Golann argues persuasively that, by focusing on adherence to rules, “no-excuses” schools lose sight of the main purpose of education and would better serve students by redefining success, teaching social and behavioral skills, and helping students learn to interact with authority figures.