Thursday, June 1, 2023

JUNE IS PRIDE MONTH - LET'S ALL CELEBRATE AND HAVE SOME FUN (HERE ARE SOME RESOURCES) #PrideMonth 🌈 #Pride2023 🌈 #tbats #edchat #K12 #learning #edtech

 

JUNE IS PRIDE MONTH

LETS ALL CELEBRATE AND HAVE SOME FUN

🌈HERE ARE SOME RESOURCES🌈

June is Pride Month, a time to celebrate and honor the LGBTQ+ community and their contributions to history, society and culture. Pride Month also raises awareness and advocates for LGBTQ+ rights and equality. Here are some of the ways you can join the celebration and show your support for the LGBTQ+ community.

🌈- Learn about the history and diversity of the LGBTQ+ community. Pride Month commemorates the Stonewall riots of June 1969, which sparked the gay rights movement. Since then, the LGBTQ+ community has made significant progress in achieving legal recognition and social acceptance, but also faced many challenges and struggles. You can learn more about the history, diversity, and issues of the LGBTQ+ community by reading books, watching documentaries, listening to podcasts, and following LGBTQ+ media outlets. You can also visit museums, monuments, or landmarks that honor LGBTQ+ history and culture. Some of the resources you can use to learn more about LGBTQ+ history and culture are:

🌈- Participate in pride events and activities. During Pride Month, many cities and towns host pride parades, festivals, rallies, and other events that showcase the diversity and pride of the LGBTQ+ community. You can join these events as a participant or a spectator, and enjoy the music, art, entertainment, and speeches. You can also attend workshops, webinars, or panels that discuss LGBTQ+ topics and perspectives. You can also organize your own pride events or activities with your friends, family, or colleagues. Some of the resources you can use to find or plan pride events and activities are:

🌈- LGBTQ+ youth are a vulnerable and resilient group that need support and affirmation from their families, peers, and communities. Some of the ways you can support LGBTQ+ youth are:

🌈- Listen to LGBTQ+ youth: Be open and respectful to their experiences, feelings, and needs. Don't judge, criticize, or invalidate them. Ask them how they want to be supported and what they are comfortable with. Let them know that you care about them and accept them for who they are⁴¹.
🌈- Educate yourself and others: Learn about the diversity, history, and issues of the LGBTQ+ community. Avoid making assumptions or stereotypes about LGBTQ+ people based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. Use inclusive and affirming language and pronouns for LGBTQ+ people. Challenge homophobia, transphobia, biphobia, and other forms of discrimination and prejudice when you encounter them. Share accurate and positive information about LGBTQ+ people with others⁴ .
🌈- Create a safe and supportive environment: Make your home, school, workplace, or community a welcoming and respectful place for LGBTQ+ people. Display signs, stickers, or flags that show your support for the LGBTQ+ community. Join or start a Genders & Sexualities Alliance (GSA) club or network at your school or workplace. Participate in LGBTQ+ events, such as pride parades, festivals, or workshops. Advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and policies that protect LGBTQ+ people from discrimination and violence⁴ .
🌈- Donate or volunteer for LGBTQ+ organizations: Support the work of LGBTQ+ organizations that provide services, resources, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ youth. You can donate money, time, skills, or items to these organizations. You can also volunteer as a mentor, counselor, educator, or activist for LGBTQ+ youth. Some of the organizations that support LGBTQ+ youth are The Trevor Project, GLSEN, SAGE, PFLAG, Advocates for Youth, and many more⁴ .
🌈- Seek help when needed: If you or someone you know is struggling with their sexual orientation or gender identity, or facing bullying, harassment, or violence, don't hesitate to seek help. There are many resources and helplines available for LGBTQ+ youth and their allies. You can call, text, chat, or email with trained counselors who can offer support, guidance, and referrals. Some of the resources and helplines for LGBTQ+ youth are The Trevor Lifeline (1-866-488-7386), Q Chat Space, Trans Lifeline (1-877-565-8860), LGBT National Youth Talkline (1-800-246-7743), and many more³ .

🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈These are just some of the ways you can support LGBTQ+ youth. There are many more that you can explore and discover on your own. The most important thing is to be respectful, compassionate, and open-minded towards LGBTQ+ youth and their struggles⁴ .

🌈- Supporting LGBTQ+ youth has many benefits, both for the youth themselves and for the society at large. Some of the benefits are:

🌈-Improved mental health and well-being: LGBTQ+ youth who receive support and acceptance from their families, peers, and communities are more likely to have higher self-esteem, lower levels of depression and anxiety, lower risk of substance abuse and suicide, and greater life satisfaction than those who face rejection and discrimination .
🌈-Increased academic and career success: LGBTQ+ youth who feel safe and supported at school are more likely to have better attendance, grades, test scores, and graduation rates than those who experience bullying, harassment, or exclusion. They are also more likely to pursue higher education and careers that match their interests and abilities .
🌈-Enhanced social and civic engagement: LGBTQ+ youth who have positive role models and mentors in the LGBTQ+ community are more likely to develop a strong sense of identity, belonging, and pride. They are also more likely to participate in LGBTQ+ events, groups, or networks, and to contribute to the LGBTQ+ movement and other social causes .
🌈-Reduced stigma and discrimination: Supporting LGBTQ+ youth helps to create a more inclusive and respectful culture that values diversity and human rights. It also helps to challenge and change the negative attitudes and behaviors that fuel homophobia, transphobia, biphobia, and other forms of oppression. By supporting LGBTQ+ youth, we can foster a more tolerant and compassionate society for everyone .

🌈- Display the rainbow flag or other symbols of LGBTQ+ pride and solidarity. The rainbow flag is a symbol of LGBTQ+ pride and solidarity that was created by artist Gilbert Baker in 1978. The flag consists of six colors: red for life, orange for healing, yellow for sunlight, green for nature, blue for harmony, and purple for spirit. You can display the rainbow flag or other symbols of LGBTQ+ pride and solidarity on your clothing, accessories, home, car, or online profile. You can also use hashtags such as #PrideMonth or #Pride2023 to show your support on social media. Some of the resources you can use to display or create LGBTQ+ symbols are:

🌈- Support LGBTQ+ organizations and causes. There are many organizations and causes that provide services, resources, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ people and issues. You can support these organizations and causes by donating money, time, skills, or items. You can also volunteer as a mentor, counselor, educator, or activist for LGBTQ+ people and issues. Some of the organizations and causes that support LGBTQ+ people and issues are:

  •   - The Trevor Project: A national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ+ young people under 25. https://www.thetrevorproject.org/
  •   - GLSEN: A national organization working to end discrimination, harassment, and bullying based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression in K-12 schools. https://www.glsen.org/
  •   - SAGE: A national organization dedicated to improving the lives of LGBTQ+ older adults. https://www.sageusa.org/
  •   - PFLAG: A national organization uniting LGBTQ+ people with their families, friends, and allies. https://pflag.org/
  •   - Advocates for Youth: A national organization working to ensure that young people have access to accurate information, education, and services related to sexual health and rights. https://advocatesforyouth.org/

🌈- Be a friend and ally to LGBTQ+ people in your life. One of the best ways to support the LGBTQ+ community is to be a friend and ally to LGBTQ+ people in your life. You can do this by being open and respectful to their experiences, feelings, and needs. You can also ask them how they want to be supported and what they are comfortable with. You can also let them know that you care about them and accept them for who they are. You can also celebrate their achievements and milestones and offer help when they face challenges. Some of the resources you can use to be a friend and ally to LGBTQ+ people are:

Pride Month is a time to celebrate and honor the LGBTQ+ community and their contributions to history, society and culture. It is also a time to raise awareness and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and equality. By joining the celebration and showing your support for the LGBTQ+ community, you can help create a more inclusive and respectful society for everyone. Happy Pride Month! 🌈

BISH, I DON'T MIND BEING A LITTLE CATTY











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🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈

🌈- LGBTQ+ culture wars refer to the ongoing conflicts and debates between the LGBTQ+ community and its allies, and the conservative and religious groups that oppose LGBTQ+ rights and equality. Some of the reasons for these culture wars are:

🌈- Differing views on morality and identity: Many conservative and religious groups view LGBTQ+ people as sinful, unnatural, or immoral, and believe that their sexual orientation or gender identity can be changed or cured. They also oppose LGBTQ+ people's right to marry, adopt children, serve in the military, or access health care and other services. On the other hand, the LGBTQ+ community and its allies view LGBTQ+ people as normal, diverse, and deserving of respect and dignity. They also advocate for LGBTQ+ people's right to love, express, and be themselves without discrimination or violence¹².
🌈- Differing views on the role of government and law: Many conservative and religious groups view the government and the law as instruments to uphold their values and beliefs, and to protect their freedom of religion and speech. They also oppose any legislation or policy that grants LGBTQ+ people equal rights or protection, such as anti-discrimination laws, hate crime laws, or marriage equality laws. They also support legislation or policy that restricts LGBTQ+ people's rights or access, such as bathroom bills, conversion therapy bans, or religious freedom laws. On the other hand, the LGBTQ+ community and its allies view the government and the law as instruments to ensure justice and equality for all people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. They also support any legislation or policy that promotes LGBTQ+ rights or protection, and oppose any legislation or policy that harms or excludes LGBTQ+ people¹².
🌈- Differing views on the role of media and culture: Many conservative and religious groups view the media and culture as sources of influence and indoctrination, and as threats to their values and beliefs. They also accuse the media and culture of being biased, agenda-driven, or corrupting towards LGBTQ+ issues. They also resist or boycott any media or cultural representation of LGBTQ+ people, such as books, movies, TV shows, or celebrities. On the other hand, the LGBTQ+ community and its allies view the media and culture as sources of information and education, and as opportunities to celebrate and empower LGBTQ+ people. They also praise the media and culture for being inclusive, diverse, or supportive of LGBTQ+ issues. They also seek or create more media or cultural representation of LGBTQ+ people¹².

🌈- These are just some of the reasons for the LGBTQ+ culture wars. There are many more that vary depending on the context, location, and situation. The LGBTQ+ culture wars are not only political or legal, but also personal and emotional. They affect the lives, rights, and well-being of LGBTQ+ people and their families, friends, and communities¹².

(1) Pride Month guide for brands—navigating LGBTQ+ marketing amid the culture wars. https://adage.com/article/marketing-news-strategy/pride-month-brands-navigating-lgbtq-marketing-amid-culture-wars/2497226.
(2) Business During The Culture War - Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/josiecaballero/2023/06/01/business-during-the-culture-war/.
(3) Transgender Christian Confronts Pastor During Anti-LGBTQ+ Sermon. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/transgender-christian-confronts-pastor-during-anti-lgbtq-sermon/ar-AA1bZX6W.
(4) In The Fight For LGBTQ Rights, Lessons From The 1990s Culture Wars - NPR. https://www.npr.org/2021/05/21/999241572/in-the-fight-for-lgbtq-rights-lessons-from-the-1990s-culture-wars.
(5) Stonewall 50: LGBTQ Movement's Culture War With The Religious ... - NPR. https://www.npr.org/2019/06/20/733537421/the-culture-wars-live-on-between-the-lgbtq-movement-and-the-religious-right.

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(1) LGBTQ Resource List | GLAAD. https://www.glaad.org/resourcelist.

(2) Resource Center - The Trevor Project. https://www.thetrevorproject.org/resources/.

(3) Homepage - PFLAG. https://pflag.org/.

(4) Resources | Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Pride Month .... https://www.loc.gov/lgbt-pride-month/resources/.

(5) Resources for Families of LGBTQ+ Youth - Child Welfare Information Gateway. https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/systemwide/diverse-populations/lgbtq/lgbt-families/.

Source: Conversation with Bing, 6/1/2023

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PUBLIC SCHOOL FUNDING BEING USED FOR UNION BUSTING CONSULTANTS AND LAWYERS

 

PUBLIC SCHOOL FUNDING BEING USED FOR UNION BUSTING CONSULTANTS AND LAWYERS

Have you heard the one about charter schools using public school funding for union-busting consultants and lawyers? No? Well, it's no laughing matter, but we'll try to make it funny anyway.

In recent years, charter schools have been accused of using public funds to hire consultants and lawyers to break up teacher unions. This has led to a heated debate between charter school proponents and teachers unions, with both sides arguing over the legality and ethics of the practice.

On one hand, charter school supporters like the California Charter School Association argue that they have the right to use union-busting consultants and lawyers to protect their freedom of speech. They claim that teachers unions are too powerful and use their influence to stifle innovation and competition in the education market according to a many Citizens United Billionaires.

But on the other hand, teachers unions and education advocates argue that this practice is unfair and undermines the right of teachers to organize. They claim that charter schools are using public funds for their own private interests and that of their billionaire overlords, which is not only unethical but also illegal.

So, who's right? Well, it's hard to say. But one thing's for sure - this debate is no laughing matter. Or is it?

Let's take a closer look at the issue. According to a 2017 report by the Center for American Progress, charter schools have spent over $100 million on union-busting consultants and lawyers since 2010. That's a lot of dough!

But what are these consultants and lawyers actually doing? Are they sneaking into teachers' homes in the middle of the night and breaking up union meetings? Are they hiding in the bushes outside of schools, waiting to pounce on unsuspecting union leaders?

No, of course not. That would be ridiculous. Instead, these consultants and lawyers are hired to provide legal advice and guidance on labor relations issues. They help charter schools navigate the complex world of labor law and ensure that they are in compliance with all applicable regulations or at least not going to be thrown in the clink.

But here's the thing - why are charter schools spending so much money on these services? Is it really necessary to spend millions of dollars on legal fees just to ensure compliance with labor laws?

Maybe it's because charter schools are more likely to face labor disputes than traditional public schools. After all, charter schools often operate outside of traditional collective bargaining agreements and are not subject to the same rules and regulations as traditional public schools.

Or maybe it's because charter schools are more focused on profits than public education. By breaking up teacher unions, charter schools can lower labor costs and increase profits. It's a win-win for them - but a lose-lose for teachers and students.

So, what's the solution? Should charter schools be allowed to use public funds for union-busting consultants and lawyers? Or should this practice be banned altogether?

Well, we're not here to give you the answer. But we will say this - if charter schools are truly committed to providing high-quality education for all students, they should focus on investing in teachers and classrooms, not lawyers and consultants.

After all, education is not a business - it's a public good. And as such, it deserves our full attention and support. So let's stop the jokes and get serious about ensuring that all students have access to the education they deserve.

Public funds for the public good, not union busting | Policy Matters Ohio | March 16, 2022 https://www.policymattersohio.org/blog/2022/03/16/public-funds-for-the-public-good-not-union-busting 

Public Funds Public Schools|Home https://pfps.org/ 

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IF YOU ARE NOT WATCHING CHARTER SCHOOLS SCANDALS, YOU ARE MISSING A GREAT CRIME SHOW

IF YOU ARE NOT WATCHING CHARTER SCHOOLS SCANDALS, YOU ARE MISSING A GREAT CRIME SHOW

Are you tired of the same old crime shows? Well, have no fear because the Charter School Scandals are here! Yes, you read that right. The Charter School Scandals are the hottest crime show on the block, and if you're not watching, you're missing out on some serious drama.

The Network for Public Education (NPE) Scandal Report is the go-to source for all things Charter School Scandals. It seems like every day there's a new scandal to report. From financial mismanagement to academic fraud to straight-up abuse, these charter schools are giving traditional public schools a run for their money.

Now, some people might argue that these scandals are just the result of a few bad actors, but let's be real here. When there are so many scandals happening in the same type of school, it's hard to believe that it's just a coincidence. It's like saying that all the bad apples just happen to fall into the same basket.

So, what can be done to prevent these scandals from happening? Well, for starters, we need to close down bad charters and hold the crooks accountable. It's time to stop giving these schools a free pass and start demanding better.

But how do we prevent corruption from happening in the first place? It's not easy, but there are some steps we can take. For example, we can increase government oversight of charter schools and require them to be more transparent about their finances and operations. We can also ban charter school leaders from accepting gifts or donations from businesses or organizations that have a financial interest in the school. And let's not forget about providing charter school teachers and staff with training on ethics and conflict of interest. It's time to create a culture of accountability and transparency within charter schools.

Now, let's take a look at some of the juicy scandals that have been reported in the media. We've got the James Singleton Charter School in New Orleans, which allegedly fabricated criminal background checks for school employees and hired unqualified relatives and friends. And let's not forget about Prenda and EdKey in Arizona, who partnered to run microschools and are now being investigated by the Arizona Attorney General's Office for potentially violating laws or regulations.

But wait, there's more! Deon Boyce, a former senior adviser in the Obama administration, was arrested for stealing more than $200,000 from a network of charter schools that he founded in New York. And the UCP of Central Florida was accused of altering student education plans to inflate its funding by nearly $60,000. And let's not forget about Another Choice Virtual Charter in Idaho, which paid hundreds of thousands of dollars in public funds to companies co-owned by its administrator without following proper ethics procedures.

It's clear that there have been several scandals involving charter schools in recent years. From the A3 charter school network in California to the Indiana Virtual School and Indiana Virtual Pathways Academy, it seems like no charter school is safe from scandal. And let's not forget about the Inspire charter school network in California, which is under investigation for alleged financial malfeasance and conflicts of interest.

So, if you're looking for some drama and scandal in your life, look no further than the Charter School Scandals. But let's not forget that these scandals have real-life consequences for students and their families. It's time to demand better from our schools and hold them accountable for their actions.

Another Day Another Charter Scandal - Network For Public Education https://networkforpubliceducation.org/april-2021-scandals/ 

Still Asleep at the Wheel - Network For Public Education https://networkforpubliceducation.org/stillasleepatthewheel/ 

Charter schools fail at astounding rate, report says - District Administration https://districtadministration.com/charter-schools-fail-at-astounding-rate-report-says/ 

There have been several juicy scandals involving charter schools in recent years, some of which are listed below:

  • A3 charter school network: Executives from this online charter school network in California pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal public dollars by enrolling thousands of students who never took any classes and funneling money from the schools into companies they controlled. They pocketed more than $50 million of public funds.
  • Indiana Virtual School and Indiana Virtual Pathways Academy: These two online charter schools in Indiana were ordered to repay $85 million in misspent state funds after a state audit found that they inflated their enrollment numbers by counting students who had left or died, paid millions of dollars to companies linked to school officials, and failed to provide adequate education for their students.
  • Inspire charter school network: This network of online charter schools in California is under investigation by state and county authorities for alleged financial malfeasance, conflicts of interest, and poor academic outcomes. The network allegedly enrolled thousands of students without their knowledge or consent, paid parents for enrolling their children and buying educational materials from vendors owned by Inspire officials, and operated as a Ponzi scheme by using state funds from new schools to pay off debts of older ones.
  • James Singleton Charter School: This charter school in New Orleans allegedly fabricated criminal background checks for school employees, hired unqualified relatives and friends, and misused federal funds meant for low-income students.
  • Prenda and EdKey: These two companies in Arizona partnered to run microschools, which are small groups of students who learn at people’s homes with a guide. The companies enrolled students in EdKey’s online school and collected charter school funding from the state, but used Prenda’s curriculum and staff. The Arizona Attorney General’s Office is investigating their relationship and whether they violated any laws or regulations.
  • Deon Boyce: This former senior adviser in the Obama administration was arrested for stealing more than $200,000 from a network of charter schools that he founded in New York. He used the money to get a lower interest rate on a mortgage for a Manhattan apartment.
  • UCP of Central Florida: This charter school run by a nonprofit organization that serves people with disabilities was accused of altering student education plans to show that children needed more intensive services than they really did, inflating its funding by nearly $60,000. The Orange County Public Schools is investigating the case.
  • Another Choice Virtual Charter: This online charter school in Idaho paid hundreds of thousands of dollars in public funds to companies co-owned by its administrator, Laura Sandidge, without following proper ethics procedures. The Idaho Professional Standards Commission found that Sandidge and the charter board violated state laws and rules.
Another Day Another Charter Scandal - Network For Public Education https://networkforpubliceducation.org/april-2021-scandals/ 


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NEW EARLY EDUCATION REPORT: ALL SPED STUDENTS ARE EQUAL BUT SOME SPED STUDENTS ARE MORE EQUAL THAN OTHERS

 

ALL SPED STUDENTS ARE EQUAL BUT SOME SPED STUDENTS ARE MORE EQUAL THAN OTHERS

Attention all readers! Brace yourselves for a wild ride as we take a deep dive into the latest report from the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER). But don't worry, we promise to keep things light and funny, even when discussing the serious issue of unequal access to special education services.

The report, titled "State[s] of Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education: Looking at Equity," highlights the fact that not all young children with disabilities have equal access to essential services at a young age. And let's be real, that's not funny at all. But what is funny is the fact that the disparities in access to services are largest for Black children. Seriously? We're still dealing with this in 2023?

According to the report, only 3.7% of children under 3 years old received early intervention (EI) services in Fall 2020. And if you thought that number was bad, wait until you hear about the state-by-state breakdown. Massachusetts served 10% of children under 3, while Arkansas and Hawaii only served 1%. Come on, Arkansas and Hawaii, you can do better than that!

But wait, it gets even worse. Disparities in access to early childhood special education (ECSE) services are even larger than disparities in access to EI services. Nationally, only 6% of 3- and 4-year-olds received ECSE services in Fall 2020. And the state-by-state breakdown is just as bleak. Wyoming served 14% of children, while Alabama served less than 3%. Seriously, Alabama? You're better than that.

The report found that these disparities in access to services cannot be explained by need. In fact, at school-age, Black children are more likely than White children to be identified as needing special education. So what's going on here? It's time for policymakers and educators to step up and ensure that all young children with disabilities, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status, have equal access to the services they need to succeed.

But let's not forget the silver lining here. Early intervention and ECSE services are critical for helping young children with disabilities reach their full potential. These services can help children develop their language, motor, and social-emotional skills. And they can also help children prepare for kindergarten and beyond. So let's make sure all children have access to these essential services.

In conclusion, the NIEER report may be a sobering reminder of the work that needs to be done, but that doesn't mean we can't have a little fun along the way. So let's keep fighting for equal access to special education services and never forget to sprinkle a little humor into our advocacy efforts. Because let's face it, sometimes you just have to laugh to keep from crying.

Report Highlights Unequal Access to Special Education Services https://www.ffyf.org/new-report-highlights-unequal-access-to-special-education-services/ 

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VANITY FAIR: FLORIDUH, SMART PEOPLE ARE FALLING FOR STUPID LIES

FLORIDUH,  SMART PEOPLE ARE FALLING FOR STUPID LIES

Smart people are falling for stupid lies! And it's happening in Florida, of all places. Yes, the Sunshine State has become ground zero for the far right's education blitz, and it's all happening in Sarasota County.

From board battles to book bans to "woke" audits, Republicans in Sarasota are waging a grassroots assault on "everything, everywhere, all at once." And who's leading the charge? None other than the county's former school board chair.

Now, you might be thinking, "Wait a minute, aren't school board chairs supposed to be, you know, smart?" Well, apparently not in Sarasota. This guy has fallen hook, line, and sinker for the far right's ridiculous agenda.

So what exactly is this agenda? It's pretty simple, actually. The far right wants to erase anything and everything that doesn't fit into their narrow worldview. That means banning books that don't align with their beliefs, pushing "alternative facts" instead of actual science, and generally just being a bunch of close-minded jerks.

And unfortunately, they're having some success in Sarasota. The school board has already banned several books, including "The Bluest Eye" by Toni Morrison and "Beloved" by the same author. Apparently, the far right doesn't like books that deal with difficult topics like racism and slavery. Who knew?

But it's not just books that are under attack. The far right is also going after teachers who dare to teach critical race theory or anything else that challenges their fragile worldview. They've even launched "woke" audits to root out any teachers who might be guilty of, you know, actually teaching.

Now, you might be thinking, "This all sounds pretty bad. What can we do about it?" Well, there's good news and bad news. The bad news is that the far right isn't going to give up without a fight. They're committed to their ridiculous agenda, and they're not going to let a little thing like reality get in the way.

The good news is that we can fight back. We can speak out against book bans and "woke" audits. We can support teachers who are trying to teach critical thinking instead of propaganda. And we can vote out politicians who are more interested in pushing their own agenda than in actually helping our kids.

So let's do it. Let's stand up to the far right and their ridiculous agenda. Let's show them that we're not going to fall for their stupid lies. And let's make sure that our kids get the education they deserve – one that's based on facts, not ideology.

“Smart People Are Falling for Stupid Lies”: How One Florida County Has Become Ground Zero for the Far Right’s Education Blitz | Vanity Fair https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2023/05/florida-ground-zero-far-right-education-blitz

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BREAKING NEWS: TEA TAKES OVER HISD, PLANS TO RENAME IT THE 'MIKE DISTRICT'

BREAKING NEWS: TEA TAKES OVER HISD, PLANS TO RENAME IT THE 'MIKE DISTRICT'

In a shocking turn of events, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) has seized control of the Houston Independent School District (HISD) and renamed it the 'Mike School District'. The move comes after years of controversy and declining test scores in the district.

The TEA Commissioner Mike Morath announced the takeover and appointed a new superintendent, Mike Miles, who is known for his tough stance on discipline and his focus on academics. Miles has promised to turn around the district and make it a top-performing one.

But that's not all, folks! The TEA has also appointed a board of managers to oversee the district's operations. And here's the kicker - they're all named 'Mike'! Yes, you read that right. The board of managers is made up of five people named Mike, appointed by the TEA. Talk about a Mike-takeover!

The TEA's decision has been met with mixed reactions. Some people are pleased that the state is finally taking action to improve the district. Others are concerned that the takeover will lead to a loss of local control and that it will be difficult to change the culture of the district.

But we're not here to talk about serious stuff. We're here to make jokes! So, without further ado, here are some pun-tastic jokes about the situation:

- What do you call a school district that's been taken over by the state? A TEA-riffic school district!

- Why did the TEA appoint five Mikes to the board of managers? Because they couldn't find any more guys named Mike!

- What's the difference between the TEA and a dictator? A dictator only has one board of managers, while the TEA has five Mikes!

- What's the best way to improve a school district? Take away all the democracy and replace it with five guys named Mike!

Okay, okay, we'll stop with the Mikes. But you have to admit, it's a pretty funny coincidence. We can only imagine what their meetings will be like. "Mike, what do you think?" "I don't know, Mike, what do you think?" "Well, Mike, I think..." You get the idea.

In all seriousness, though, we hope that the TEA's takeover of the HISD (or should we say, Mike School District) will be successful in improving the district's performance. And who knows, maybe having five Mikes in charge will be just what they need. Stranger things have happened!

In conclusion, we'd like to remind everyone that democracy is kind of nice, wasn't it? But hey, if you can't beat 'em, join 'em. So let's raise a cup of tea (get it?) to the new Mike School District and hope for the best. Cheers!

Texas Education Agency names new Houston ISD Superintendent and appoints Board of Managers   | Texas Education Agency https://tea.texas.gov/about-tea/news-and-multimedia/news-releases/news-2023/texas-education-agency-names-new-houston-isd-superintendent-and-appoints-board-of-managers 

Texas Education Agency names new Houston ISD superintendent, appoints Board of Managers amid takeover https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2023/06/01/texas-education-agency-names-new-houston-isd-superintendent-appoints-board-of-managers-amid-takeover/ 

 Texas Education Agency names Mike Miles Houston ISD superintendent on first day of state takeover - ABC13 Houston https://abc13.com/houston-isd-state-takeover-of-school-district-largest-in-texas-names-new-hisd-superintendent/13327538/ 

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OKLAHOMA EDUCATION FUNDING: STILL SUCKS AFTER ALL THESE YEARS

OKLAHOMA EDUCATION FUNDING: STILL SUCKS AFTER ALL THESE YEARS

Welcome to the land of tornadoes, oil rigs, and education funding that still sucks after all these years. That's right, folks, we're talking about Oklahoma. But don't fear, because school choice is here to save the day! Or destroy public schools, depending on how you look at it.

Let's take a deep dive into Oklahoma's 2023 education budget, shall we? According to StateImpact, the budget includes a whopping $6,100 pay raise for teachers. Finally, they can afford to upgrade from ramen noodles to something a little fancier, like spaghetti.

But wait, there's more! The budget also includes funding for 12 weeks of paid maternity leave for teachers. That's right, folks, Oklahoma has finally entered the 21st century. We're just a few decades behind the rest of the country.

And if that wasn't enough, there's a new literacy program in town. It's funded by a $100 million grant from the federal government, so you know it's legit. This program will provide additional support for students who are struggling to read. Because apparently, reading is hard.

But let's not forget about school districts. The budget includes $150 million for them to use for a variety of purposes, including teacher pay raises, school safety, and technology upgrades. So if your school still has chalkboards and overhead projectors, you might finally get an upgrade.

Now, let's talk about the Redbud Fund. This little gem provides scholarships to students who attend public schools in Oklahoma. Because why fix the public school system when you can just give kids money to go to private schools?

And speaking of private schools, the budget includes $150 million for tax credits for private school tuition and homeschool funding for families in the state. Because apparently, public schools just aren't good enough.

But don't worry, folks, the budget also includes $50 million for security upgrades at schools across the state. Because nothing says "safe learning environment" like metal detectors and armed guards.

All in all, the 2023 education budget is a step in the right direction for Oklahoma's public schools. But let's not forget that the state still ranks near the bottom in the nation in terms of per-pupil spending. So while teachers may finally be able to afford something other than ramen noodles and students may finally get some extra help with reading, there's still a long way to go.

But hey, at least we can take comfort in knowing that school choice is here to save us. Or destroy us. Whichever way you want to look at it.

StateImpact breaks down Oklahoma's 2023 education budget https://www.kgou.org/2023-06-01/stateimpact-breaks-down-oklahomas-2023-education-budget 

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