TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POSTS
MAY 9, 2026
Trump's "National Garden of Heroes" https://dianeravitch.net/2026/05/08/trumps-national-garden-of-heroes/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- The "science of reading" is rooted in behaviorist theories and influenced by figures like Thorndike and Lyon.
- Policies like No Child Left Behind embedded these ideas, promoting technology-driven adaptive learning systems in reading education.
- Taylor argues that this shift has caused harm to children, particularly those experiencing adverse childhood experiences, due to developmentally inappropriate instruction and excessive standardized assessments.
- The National Reading Panel Report, a cornerstone of the "science of reading," is criticized for lacking scientific validity, and Taylor calls for its removal from policymaking.
- Taylor advocates for restoring curriculum decision-making to teachers, parents, and local school districts, allowing for the inclusion of diverse, peer-reviewed research in reading instruction.
Big Education Ape: WHAT THE BOTS KNOW THAT THE BILLIONAIRE OLIGARCHS NEVER WILL: AI WILL NEVER REPLACE A PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHER ANY MORE THAN IT WILL EVER REPLACE A MOTHER https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/05/what-bots-know-that-billionaire.html
The blog post titled "WHAT THE BOTS KNOW THAT THE BILLIONAIRE OLIGARCHS NEVER WILL" from the Big Education Ape blog is a satirical and poignant commentary on the limitations of Artificial Intelligence in education and caregiving.
The central thesis is that while AI is incredibly advanced at processing data and automating tasks, it lacks the human "heart" and intuition essential to the roles of public school teachers and mothers.
Key Themes and Content
The post features a collection of AI-generated responses (from ChatGPT, Grok, Claude, Copilot, and Gemini) that, ironically, "confess" their own inability to replace human connection.
The "Delicious Irony": The introduction argues that while billionaires train AI on all human knowledge to "disrupt" education, the AI itself has learned that it cannot replicate a mother’s intuition or a teacher’s ability to see a child’s emotional needs.
The Role of a Teacher: The post emphasizes that teaching isn't just about data or grading; it's about "glue sticks, grace, and gumption." It highlights things AI can't do:
Sensing when a student is quiet because of a personal tragedy.
Tying shoes at recess or breaking up social drama.
Managing a classroom of 28 kids with varying emotional and physical needs.
The Role of a Mother: It contrasts AI’s data-driven advice with a mother's "ancient intuition," such as knowing a child is sick at 2 a.m. or why "triangles taste better" when cutting a sandwich.
The Human Element: The poems and prose collectively argue that "heart is not a feature you can download." They celebrate the "wonderfully, stubbornly human" nature of these professions that run on "coffee, care, and guilt."
Notable Quotes
"The billionaire sees a problem to be disrupted. The teacher sees a child to be believed in."
"The motherboard is very smart. But it will never have a mother's heart."
Big Education Ape: TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POSTS MAY 8, 2026 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/05/todays-top-news-yesterdays-best-blog_01247131720.html
The May 8, 2026, edition of Big Education Ape
The May 8, 2026, edition of
National & Global Headlines
Military Tensions: U.S. Navy destroyers in the Strait of Hormuz repelled Iranian fast-attack boats. President Trump described recent retaliatory strikes as a "love tap" while warning of higher-level escalations.
Health Crisis: A Hantavirus outbreak on the cruise ship MV Hondius has resulted in multiple deaths, sparking a global contact-tracing effort.
Economic Shifts: A federal trade court struck down the administration's 10% global tariffs. Meanwhile, markets are braced for the April jobs report amid rising oil prices (now at $100/barrel).
Military Tensions: U.S. Navy destroyers in the Strait of Hormuz repelled Iranian fast-attack boats. President Trump described recent retaliatory strikes as a "love tap" while warning of higher-level escalations.
Health Crisis: A Hantavirus outbreak on the cruise ship MV Hondius has resulted in multiple deaths, sparking a global contact-tracing effort.
Economic Shifts: A federal trade court struck down the administration's 10% global tariffs. Meanwhile, markets are braced for the April jobs report amid rising oil prices (now at $100/barrel).
Education Policy & Advocacy
The blog highlights several critical shifts in the U.S. educational landscape:
Market-Based Reform Critiques: Several posts argue that charter and private schools systematically exclude students with disabilities to protect test scores, a practice referred to as "cream-skimming."
California’s "Education Circus": Analysis of AB-2117, which proposes creating a Governor-appointed Education Commissioner, a move critics say reduces voter accountability and empowers billionaire donors.
Teacher Compensation: A debate on merit-based pay suggests that tying salary to "effectiveness" is flawed due to subjective metrics and risks destroying teacher collaboration.
The blog highlights several critical shifts in the U.S. educational landscape:
Market-Based Reform Critiques: Several posts argue that charter and private schools systematically exclude students with disabilities to protect test scores, a practice referred to as "cream-skimming."
California’s "Education Circus": Analysis of AB-2117, which proposes creating a Governor-appointed Education Commissioner, a move critics say reduces voter accountability and empowers billionaire donors.
Teacher Compensation: A debate on merit-based pay suggests that tying salary to "effectiveness" is flawed due to subjective metrics and risks destroying teacher collaboration.
Social & Political Issues
Redistricting: Commentary on the Tennessee GOP's efforts to eliminate majority-Black districts following the Supreme Court's roll-back of parts of the Voting Rights Act.
Gender Inclusivity: An investigation into Smith College regarding its admission of transgender women and the broader implications for Title IX.
Child Poverty: A critique of the "One Big Beautiful Bill" (OBBB), arguing that its Child Tax Credit structure still leaves the poorest American children behind due to income-based restrictions.
Redistricting: Commentary on the Tennessee GOP's efforts to eliminate majority-Black districts following the Supreme Court's roll-back of parts of the Voting Rights Act.
Gender Inclusivity: An investigation into Smith College regarding its admission of transgender women and the broader implications for Title IX.
Child Poverty: A critique of the "One Big Beautiful Bill" (OBBB), arguing that its Child Tax Credit structure still leaves the poorest American children behind due to income-based restrictions.
Featured Content & Media
Poetry: Original works by P.L. Thomas exploring themes of societal lies and the "Science of Reading" movement.
Historical Context: A retrospective on how California fell from 5th to 47th in national education funding over 50 years.
Public Safety: A "jarring" PSA from Sandy Hook Promise
Poetry: Original works by P.L. Thomas exploring themes of societal lies and the "Science of Reading" movement.
Historical Context: A retrospective on how California fell from 5th to 47th in national education funding over 50 years.
Public Safety: A "jarring" PSA from
Sandy Hook Promise
Big Education Ape: MORNING NEWS UPDATE: MAY 8, 2026 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/05/morning-news-update-may-8-2026.html
This page from the Big Education Ape blog provides a comprehensive "Morning News Update" for May 8, 2026. It covers a wide range of global, national, and specialized education news.
Global & National News Highlights
Conflict in the Strait of Hormuz: Tension remains high as
U.S. and Iranian forces Hantavirus Outbreak: A health emergency is unfolding on the cruise ship
MV Hondius U.S. Economy: The
April jobs report Political Shifts: A federal trade court struck down the administration's 10% global tariffs as unlawful. Meanwhile, the administration has set a July 4 deadline for the EU to approve a pending trade deal.
Education Sector Updates
Federal Student Loan Overhaul: The Department of Education finalized the
RISE regulations AI Policy in Schools: The
SUNY system Civil Rights & Safety: The Office for Civil Rights has launched investigations into the
Los Angeles Unified School District Smith College
Technology & Health
Tech Issues: A significant
Amazon Web Services (AWS) outage Medical Research: New studies suggest that regular egg consumption may reduce
Alzheimer’s risk lubiprostone
The blog also serves as a hub for education advocacy, featuring links to the
Big Education Ape: WELCOME TO THE CALIFORNIA EDUCATION CIRCUS: WHERE YOUR VOTE IS THE CLOWN AND BILLIONAIRES OWN THE BIG TOP https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/05/welcome-to-california-education-circus.html
The article discusses California's proposed Assembly Bill AB-2117, which seeks to overhaul the state's education governance structure. It highlights the political and financial complexities surrounding the bill, including the influence of billionaires, dark money, and gubernatorial ambitions. The article also examines the potential impact of the "Children's Educational Opportunity Act" and other controversial ballot measures on public education funding and governance in California.
### Key Points
- AB-2117 proposes significant changes to California's education governance, including the creation of a Governor-appointed Education Commissioner role.
- The bill would demote the elected State Superintendent of Public Instruction to a less influential role, raising concerns about reduced voter accountability.
- The Education Commissioner would have significant powers, including approving grants, overseeing department operations, and implementing corrective actions.
- The bill aims to address governance inefficiencies, citing reports of California's fragmented educational system.
- The "Children's Educational Opportunity Act," a November 2026 ballot initiative, proposes $17,000 Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) for private, religious, or home schooling, potentially diverting $9.86 billion annually from public schools.
- Critics argue that the ESA initiative could lead to a "death spiral" for public school funding, especially in urban and rural areas.
- The California Teachers Association, urban school superintendents, and the California School Boards Association oppose AB-2117 and the ESA initiative.
- The 2026 California gubernatorial race is heavily influenced by billionaire donors, with significant sums of money being spent on campaigns and ballot measures.
- The article critiques California's political and educational systems, stating that the state operates under a libertarian ideology masked as liberalism.
- The article highlights California's historical decline in public education funding, from 5th in the nation for per-pupil spending in 1965 to 47th by 2011.
- The November 2026 ballot includes other controversial measures, such as the Billionaire Tax Act, a two-thirds vote for special taxes, and affirmative action in education.
- The article emphasizes that the changes proposed by AB-2117 and related initiatives are driven by power and financial control rather than educational improvements.
Big Education Ape: TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POSTS MAY 7, 2026 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/05/todays-top-news-yesterdays-best-blog_047805043.html
The article provides a comprehensive overview of various topics, including education, politics, global affairs, technology, health, and economy as of May 2026. It highlights key issues such as U.S.-Iran tensions, education reforms, AI integration in schools, public education challenges, and societal inequalities. The article also discusses controversial topics like the Trump administration's policies, attacks on public education advocates, and the state of public education funding in different states like California and Tennessee.
Big Education Ape: MORNING NEWS UPDATE: MAY 7, 2026 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/05/morning-news-update-may-7-2026.html
U.S. news highlights a hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship, rising gas prices, and Ted Turner's passing. Global affairs focus on U.S.-Iran peace talks, Middle East tensions, and other geopolitical developments. Education news includes AI tools for exceptional education, a Canvas data breach, and policy shifts in screen time for students. Health updates include breakthroughs in diabetes treatment and questioning the efficacy of common knee surgeries. Sports updates cover MLB, NHL, NBA playoffs, and other events.
Big Education Ape: FROM GOLD RUSH TO GOLD BUST: HOW CALIFORNIA FUMBLED ITS EDUCATION CROWN IN 50 YEARS https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/05/from-gold-rush-to-gold-bust-how.html
The article provides an in-depth analysis of the historical and current state of California's education funding system. It traces the decline of California's once-envied public school system due to systemic issues such as inequitable property tax-based funding, the Serrano v. Priest ruling, Proposition 13, and the rise of charter schools fueled by billionaire philanthropy. Despite recent improvements in education funding and teacher salaries, the article highlights significant challenges, including inflation, cost of living, and structural underinvestment relative to California's economic capacity. The upcoming November 2026 ballot measures are poised to have a critical impact on the future of education funding in California.
Big Education Ape: THEY'RE AT IT AGAIN: THE NEVER-ENDING RIGHT-WING CRUSADE AGAINST RANDI WEINGARTEN https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/05/theyre-at-it-again-never-ending-right.html
### Key Points
- The article discusses the ongoing attacks on Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), by right-wing media and organizations, accusing her of issues like school closures during the pandemic and political bias.
- The article highlights Weingarten's background as a public school teacher and her advocacy for "community unionism," which seeks to position schools as hubs for democracy, healthcare, and civic life.
- It critiques the right-wing narrative that blames Weingarten for pandemic-era school closures, emphasizing her calls for a science-based approach to reopening schools.
- Conservative groups like the Heritage Foundation accuse Weingarten of using the AFT as a political tool, citing its support for Democratic candidates and activism.
- Weingarten's book, "Why Fascists Fear Teachers," explores the connection between public education and democracy, sparking backlash from right-wing media.
- The article argues that attacks on Weingarten are part of a larger, coordinated campaign to undermine public education and organized teacher advocacy.
- Despite ongoing criticism, Weingarten continues to advocate for public education, labor rights, and democracy, maintaining her influence and the strength of the AFT.
Big Education Ape: WILL THE REAL CALIFORNIA PROGRESSIVE PLEASE STAND UP? https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/05/will-real-california-progressive-please.html
The article delves into the upcoming California governor's race, highlighting three progressive candidates (Katie Porter, Tom Steyer, and Xavier Becerra) and their platforms, funding sources, and challenges. It warns about the risks of vote-splitting among progressives in California's "jungle primary," which could lead to two Republican candidates advancing to the general election. The piece emphasizes the importance of strategic voting to ensure a progressive victory.
Congress Is Broken and Unpopular: Here Are 12 Reforms Children and Families Need Here are a dozen reforms that would, at the very least, improve things for our kids. BRUCE LESLEY https://brucelesley.substack.com/p/congress-is-broken-and-unpopular
### Key Points
- Congressional approval is at a historic low of 10%, with bipartisan disapproval due to its failure to address important issues, particularly those affecting children.
- Despite widespread public support for policies benefiting children, Congress often fails to act due to a lack of political power and representation for children.
- Congress is described as "broken," with centralized processes controlled by party leaders limiting the influence of individual lawmakers and stifling legislation that addresses voters' priorities.
- A "permission structure" prevents bills from being introduced without prior approval from leadership and committee staff, leading to delays, edits, or rejection of legislation before public debate.
- Bipartisan collaboration on children's issues is often discouraged, with leadership punishing cooperation across party lines, especially during election cycles.
- The legislative process has been inverted, with bills being over-edited and diluted during pre-introduction stages, making transformative policy changes nearly impossible.
- Children are politically disadvantaged as they lack voting power, financial resources, and lobbying influence, making them vulnerable to being ignored in backroom deals.
- Public scrutiny and transparency can help protect children's interests, as seen in cases where public pressure influenced positive outcomes for children's policies.
- The article proposes 12 reforms to fix Congress, including empowering rank-and-file members, ending pre-introduction gatekeeping, rewarding bipartisanship, restoring regular legislative order, reasserting the power of the purse, requiring child impact statements, and strengthening the Congressional Budget Office's role in analyzing the impact of legislation on children.
- Additional reforms include campaign finance reform, electoral reform (e.g., independent redistricting commissions and ranked-choice voting), reinstating the House Select Committee on Children and Youth, and restoring "Children" to the Senate HELP Committee's name and focus.
- The article emphasizes that these reforms are restorative, not radical, and that addressing children's issues could help restore public trust in Congress.
SEL Weekly Update Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... | The latest news and resources in education since 2007 https://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/
- The blog provides a wide range of educational resources, including updates on social-emotional learning (SEL), instructional strategies, and research studies.
- Highlights include a weekly SEL update, teaching resources for Mother's Day, and insights into the "Dogme" approach to English language teaching.
- The author shares practical books and resources for teaching Social Studies, Math, Science, and English, focusing on research-based strategies and student motivation.
- Additional resources include tools for classroom management, parental involvement, and teacher self-improvement.
- The blog features posts, videos, and contributions to external platforms like Education Week Teacher and The New York Times' Learning Network.
Parental Backlash against Students Using Devices in Public Schools (Natasha Singer) https://larrycuban.wordpress.com/2026/05/07/parental-backlash-against-students-using-devices-in-public-schools-natasha-singer/ via @CubanLarry
### Key Points
- Parents in Los Angeles are pushing back against the use of school-issued digital devices, citing concerns about exposure to social media, video games, and inappropriate content.
- A group called "Schools Beyond Screens" successfully advocated for the Los Angeles Unified School District to restrict YouTube access, ban devices in early grades, and implement screen time limits for older students.
- Parents and legislators nationwide are questioning the effectiveness, safety, and privacy of educational technology, with some states passing laws to increase oversight and transparency.
- Critics argue that many school districts lack resources to thoroughly evaluate educational technology, leading to concerns about its educational effectiveness and potential risks.
- Organizations like UNICEF and UNESCO warn about the risks of treating students as consumers and emphasize the need for public oversight in digital learning.
- Supporters of educational technology argue that it provides personalized learning and real-time assessment, although critics worry it sidelines teachers and prioritizes profit over education.
- Parent-led initiatives, such as "Get Big Tech Off Kids’ Desks," demand stricter audits and accountability for school technology contracts, citing past issues like data security breaches and ineffective tools.
- The Los Angeles Unified School District claims to have rigorous evaluation processes for educational tools but continues to face scrutiny from parents and activists over its tech policies.
Teacher Tom: When We Know the Full Story https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2026/05/when-we-know-full-story.html
### Key Points
- Teacher Tom introduces the game Rebound to his preschoolers, sharing its sentimental value to encourage careful handling.
- When he forgot to share the story, pieces went missing, but a child returned them upon hearing its importance.
- The article challenges the notion that children are selfish, explaining their behavior as a result of not knowing the full story, applicable to humans broadly.
Paul Thomas | Substack https://paulthomas701128.substack.com/
- Paul Thomas is available for presentations, professional development, webinars, and consulting in May, June, and July 2026.
- The article features several poems by Paul Thomas, including "blue&black," "dragons," "the existential couple: 'the struggle itself'," "proximity (poetry & polar bears)," "grounded," "we sleep," and "The 451 App."
- Paul Thomas discusses issues like the politics of testing (NAEP 2026) and the reading crisis paradox, emphasizing the negative impact of reading assessments on students and the influence of societal values on education.
- He critiques the reliance on free-market think tank reports, which distort narratives about reading in the US, in his piece on privatization propaganda.
- Paul Thomas, a Professor of Education at Furman University and poetry editor for English Journal, received the 2013 George Orwell Award from NCTE.
Schools Matter: Rep. Justin Pearson on TN House Floor May 7, 2026 http://www.schoolsmatter.info/2026/05/rep-justin-pearson-on-tn-house-floor.html
Key Themes of the Speech
Condemnation of Redistricting: Pearson characterizes the new electoral maps as "racist tools of white supremacy" designed to fragment the 9th Congressional District. He asserts that this move is a calculated effort to maintain political dominance by "cracking" the Black majority in Memphis
00:00 Opens in a new window Historical Context & Sacrifice: He emphasizes that the Voting Rights Act was "paid in blood" by civil rights icons like Medgar Evers and Fannie Lou Hamer
01:19 Opens in a new window 01:37 Opens in a new window Moral and Religious Reflection: Pearson describes the legislative actions as "immoral and wrong." He shares a personal moment of reflection, questioning the resurgence of systemic oppression and the "pillars of pain" experienced by the Black community for over 400 years
01:57 Opens in a new window Message of Resilience: Despite the legislative outcome, the speech concludes with a powerful affirmation of endurance: "We're still here." He invokes the spirit of ancestors to signal that the community will continue to resist and exist in the face of these challenges
02:37 Opens in a new window
Video Metadata
| Detail | Information |
| Channel | |
| Published | May 8, 2026 |
| Duration | 2 minutes, 53 seconds |
| Location | Tennessee House of Representatives |
Who Saw You First? – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2026/05/08/who-saw-you-first/
- The article emphasizes the importance of recognizing potential in individuals before they achieve visible success, highlighting the rarity and courage it takes to truly "see" someone’s potential.
- Institutions often prioritize safe, polished candidates, but transformative individuals are frequently overlooked due to their lack of conventional qualifications or evidence of success.
- The story of NBA player Mitchell Robinson illustrates the impact of someone believing in his potential before his success, showcasing how early encouragement can transform lives.
- The author reflects on personal experiences of being seen and supported by mentors and educators, such as a fifth-grade teacher and a college professor, who recognized their potential and helped them grow.
- Human relationships, mentorship, and encouragement are highlighted as central to education, leadership, and personal growth, often outweighing metrics and formal achievements.
- The article stresses the importance of expressing gratitude to those who believed in us before our success and encourages readers to reflect on whether they have become such a person for others.
- The author calls for readers to actively look for and support individuals who may need encouragement and belief to realize their potential.
Choosing Democracy: Building Bridges https://choosingdemocracy.blogspot.com/2026/05/building-bridges.html
Celebrating Building Bridges for Human Rights and Dignity
ART FOOD MUSIC | COMMUNITY
Everybody is born free and equal in dignity and rights
SPEAKERS
THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2026 5:30PM - 8:00PM
Shabana Rahimi Sacramento State Student
HARPER ALUMNI CENTER
Faye Wilson Kennedy Poor People's Campagin
REGISTER TO RSVP
Ramona Landeros
Benito Juarez Foundation Niki Jones
FREE OPEN TO ALL
Sacramento Regional Coalition to End Homelessness
Accommodation requests: Submit 2 weeks from event
S
SACRAMENTO STATE
CENTER ON RACE, IMMIGRATION & SOCIAL JUSTICE
Contact us for questions: crisj@csus.edu
THIS EVENT IS POSSIBLE THANKS TO THE SUPPORT OF OUR COMMUNITY, SAC STATE ON CAMPUS COLLABORATORS, FACULTY, STAFF, AND STUDENTS
Second Breakfast: Miseducative Experiences | National Education Policy Center https://nepc.colorado.edu/blog/miseducative
The piece centers on a few core themes:
1. The Cost of Optimization
Watters uses Mary Oliver’s poem,
2. Technology as "Miseducative"
Drawing on the work of
She argues that constant digital interaction creates habits that favor behaviorist patterns and libertarian ideologies.
She suggests that technology can "obliterate your ability to even imagine something outside their dictates."
3. Critique of Individualized Ed-Tech
The post concludes with a reflection on math education by
The Collective: Reclaiming the classroom as a vibrant, interactive group space rather than a collection of isolated individuals on screens.
Meaningful Presence: Emphasizing that education should be about extracting full meaning from the present moment to prepare for the future.
4. Rejection of the "Moral Panic" Label
Watters addresses the debate over social media's impact on children. While she acknowledges the political complexities of book bans and right-wing censorship, she rejects the idea that all opposition to technology is a "moral panic." She asserts that there is significant research showing how digital media profoundly affects how we think and know.
Key Quote: "At what point can you no longer even plan to do things with your one wild and precious life because these technologies have obliterated your ability to even imagine something outside their dictates...?"
Oh, the Thinks You Can Think About School Funds! (Seussical thoughts on “money follows the child”) – School Finance 101 https://schoolfinance101.com/2026/05/08/oh-the-thinks-you-can-think-about-school-funds-seussical-thoughts-on-money-follows-the-child/
Core Argument
The poem challenges the idea that education funding belongs to individual students (vouchers). It argues that school funding is a public good, designed to build and maintain community infrastructure—such as buildings, buses, science labs, and staff—that cannot simply be "divided up" and taken elsewhere without destabilizing the entire system.
Key Narrative Points
The Shared Pool: Taxes are collected to create "mighty systems" (schools, hospitals, sidewalks) that benefit the whole community, including those without children.
Infrastructure Costs: The author points out that fixed costs—like heating buildings, repairing roofs, and paying off long-term debts—don't disappear just because one student leaves.
Community Promise: Education is framed as a collective promise to build "smart citizens’ brains," rather than a private retail transaction like buying "socks" or "pickles."
About the Author
Curmudgucation Wisconsin School Board May Silence High School Band Performance Of Trans-Linked Piece From Forbes.com PETER GREENE https://curmudgucation.substack.com/p/wisconsin-school-board-may-silence
Key Details of the Controversy
The Composition: Written in 2019 by
Omar Thomas Desert Winds Freedom Band Marsha P. Johnson The School Board's Stance: Board Vice President Sam Ouweneel has expressed concerns that the piece is inappropriate for a public school, citing Johnson’s history as a "cross-dressing prostitute" and her alleged actions during the Stonewall riots.
The Band Director's Defense: Director Reid LaDew argues that the board's characterization is a generalization. He followed the district’s "controversial issues policy" by informing parents of the piece's educational merits and offering an opt-out; only one student chose not to participate.
What’s Next?
The board has scheduled a special meeting for May 12, 2026, to make a final decision on whether the piece can be performed. This meeting will take place just six days before the scheduled concert on May 18.
glen brown: "His future was supposed to be a factory floor. Then one teacher noticed him—and twenty years later, he won the Nobel Prize" https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2026/05/his-future-was-supposed-to-be-factory.html
The Early Years: A Cycle of Poverty
Birth & Loss: Born in 1913 in colonial Algeria, Camus lost his father to World War I when he was only eleven months old.
A Silent Household: Raised in a two-room apartment with no electricity or running water, he lived with his illiterate, partially deaf mother and a domineering grandmother. His mother cleaned houses to survive, and there were no books in their home.
An Expected Future: In 1920s Algeria, children from his background typically left school at age 14 to work on docks or in factories.
The Turning Point: Louis Germain
The Discovery: Louis Germain, a teacher at the local public school, recognized Camus's unique clarity of writing and intellect.
The Intervention: Germain tutored Camus for free and, more importantly, visited his home to convince his family to let him pursue a scholarship for secondary school rather than sending him to work.
The Escape: Because of Germain’s advocacy, Camus became one of the few poor children in the colony to receive a higher education, eventually studying philosophy and literature.
The Nobel Prize and the Letter
In 1957, after becoming a world-renowned novelist and philosopher (author of The Stranger and The Plague), Camus won the Nobel Prize in Literature. His first act after the ceremony was to write a heartfelt letter to Germain, stating:
"Without you, without the affectionate hand you extended to the small poor child that I was... none of all this would have happened."
Legacy
The post concludes that while Camus's life ended abruptly in a car accident in 1960, his work survives as a testament to the idea that poverty does not define potential. It highlights the profound impact a single educator can have by spotting talent where society expects none.
TRUMP IN THE NEWS TODAY
Today, May 9, 2026, the news cycle is dominated by a major diplomatic breakthrough in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, as well as ongoing economic reports and foreign policy shifts.
1. Russia-Ukraine Three-Day Ceasefire Begins
Following a direct request from President Trump, a three-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine officially began today, May 9.
2. Massive Prisoner Exchange Underway
As part of the ceasefire agreement, a swap of 1,000 prisoners from each side is scheduled.
3. Ukraine Declares Temporary Truce for Victory Day Parade
In a significant diplomatic gesture mediated by Washington, Ukraine issued an official declaration authorizing Russia to hold its Victory Day parade in Red Square without fear of attack, provided the ceasefire is upheld.
4. Tensions in the Persian Gulf and Iran "Love Tap"
President Trump insisted on Friday that a ceasefire with Iran is still intact despite recent exchanges of fire in the Persian Gulf.
5. Economic Report: Impact of Tariffs on Small Businesses
New data released during National Small Business Week (May 3–9) suggests that small businesses with fewer than 10 employees have faced significant job losses and revenue drops over the past year, attributed by some analysts to the administration’s tariff policies.
6. U.S. Imposes More Sanctions on Cuba
Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced new sanctions targeting an enterprise group linked to the Cuban military. The move comes as the administration continues to ignore UN warnings regarding "energy starvation" on the island.
7. Brazil’s President Meets with Trump
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva met with Trump at the White House this week.
8. Secretary of State Rubio Expresses Doubts on Negotiations
Despite the success of the Russia-Ukraine ceasefire, Secretary of State Marco Rubio struck a more somber tone regarding long-term peace negotiations, noting that many mediation efforts have yet to reach a "fruitful outcome."
9. First Lady Honors Military Mothers
Coinciding with Military Spouse Day and the lead-up to Mother's Day, First Lady Melania Trump issued statements honoring military mothers as the "soul of the nation."
10. Controversy Over AI Images of the President
The White House criticized actor Mark Hamill for posting an AI-generated image of President Trump, calling the post "sick" and highlighting ongoing tensions between the administration and cultural figures.
