WHY POOR KIDS GET SH*TY SCHOOLS AND/OR WHY ARE PROPERTY TAXES ARE THE ULTIMATE SOURCE FOR FUNDING PUBLIC EDUCATION

WHY POOR KIDS GET SH*TY SCHOOLS AND/OR WHY ARE PROPERTY TAXES ARE THE ULTIMATE SOURCE FOR FUNDING PUBLIC EDUCATION 

Picture this: you're a homeowner, minding your own business, when suddenly you get hit with a property tax bill that's higher than your mortgage payment. And what's it for? Oh, just funding public education. No big deal.

But wait, it gets better. Not only are you paying for your own kid's education (or lack thereof), you're also paying for the education of your neighbor's kid who never seems to stop screaming. And if you live in a fancy neighborhood, your taxes are probably funding the private jet of some superintendent who couldn't care less about your kid's education.

So why do we rely on property taxes to fund public education? It's simple: because we hate poor people. Just kidding (sort of). Property taxes are visible and transparent, so voters can see exactly where their money is going (spoiler alert: it's not going to your kid's classroom). But the downside is that property taxes create disparities among school districts, favoring the rich and leaving the poor with crumbling textbooks and teachers who don't give a damn.

Now, some states try to address this problem by providing more state aid to school districts with lower property values or higher needs, but let's be real: it's like putting a band-aid on a gunshot wound. The federal government also provides some grants to supplement state and local funding for schools with at-risk students, but it's like trying to fix a leaky roof with a roll of duct tape.

So what's the solution? Here are some ideas:

• - At the federal level, reform Title I grants to better target schools with high concentrations of students in poverty. Or just give every kid a private tutor. That works too.
• - At the local level, adopt weighted student funding to allocate resources based on the needs of students in each school. Or just give every kid a gold-plated iPad. That works too.
• - At the state level, adopt a state-based system of school financing that eliminates local property taxes and provides equal funding per student across districts. Or just make all the schools floating islands and let kids swim to class. That works too.
• - Across all levels of government, implement a progressive tax code that taxes wealthy citizens and corporations more and uses the revenue to increase education funding. Or just make all the teachers millionaires. That works too.
• - Across all levels of government, use education spending as an economic stabilizer that automatically increases during recessions to prevent cuts and boost demand. Or just give every kid a pony. That works too.

See? Problem solved. Except not really. There are still some challenges and drawbacks to these approaches, like political resistance from stakeholders who benefit from the current system or oppose higher taxes (looking at you, Jeff Bezos), technical difficulties in measuring student needs and calculating funding formulas, and unintended consequences like creating incentives for districts to over-identify students with special needs or discouraging local efforts to raise additional funds.

But fear not! There are ways to overcome these challenges, like building public awareness and support for fair education funding by using social media campaigns and viral challenges (the "TikTok Your Taxes" challenge, anyone?), engaging diverse stakeholders like educators, parents, students, community leaders, and policymakers in the design and implementation of funding reforms (because everyone knows politicians are always listening), using data and evidence to inform funding decisions (who needs facts when you have feelings?), learning from best practices of states or districts that have successfully implemented fair education funding approaches (like Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry), and advocating for policy change at all levels of government (because nothing gets done without a good old-fashioned protest).

And if all else fails, just give every kid a puppy. That works too.

THE DEFT DIVE

WTF: WHY ARE PROPERTY TAXES THE MAJOR SOURCE REVENUE USED FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION

That's a good question. Property taxes are a major source of local revenue for public education in the United States¹. In many ways, the property tax is an ideal local tax for funding public education because it is **visible and transparent**. Voters can see the benefits and costs of their local spending decisions¹.

However, property taxes also create **disparities** among school districts because they depend on the **value of local properties** and the **tax rate** set by local governments². This means that school districts with higher property values can raise more revenue for education than school districts with lower property values, even if they have the same tax rate². This can lead to **inequality** in educational opportunities and outcomes for students from different socioeconomic backgrounds².

Some states try to address this problem by providing more state aid to school districts with lower property values or higher needs, such as students with disabilities or from low-income households². The federal government also provides some grants to supplement state and local funding for schools with at-risk students². However, these efforts are not always sufficient or consistent to close the funding gaps among school districts².

In summary, property taxes are used to fund public education because they reflect local preferences and accountability, but they also cause challenges for equity and adequacy of education funding across school districts.

This is Equal education in California: According to the U.S. News Education website¹, the Beverly Hills Unified School District spent **$22,514** per student each year in the 2018-2019 school year, the highest in Los Angeles County. On the other hand, according to the Learning Curve website³, the Oakland Unified School District spent **$12,337** per student each year in the 2017-2018 school year, slightly below the state average of $12,498. This means that there was a difference of **$10,177** per student between the two districts, which is a significant gap in education funding.

There are different ways to make education funding more fair, depending on the level of government and the source of funding. Here are some possible ideas:

• - At the federal level, **reform Title I** grants to better target schools with high concentrations of students in poverty².
• - At the local level, **adopt weighted student funding** to allocate resources based on the needs of students in each school².
• - At the state level, **adopt a state-based system of school financing** that eliminates local property taxes and provides equal funding per student across districts².
• - Across all levels of government, **implement a progressive tax code** that taxes wealthy citizens and corporations more and uses the revenue to increase education funding⁵.
• - Across all levels of government, **use education spending as an economic stabilizer** that automatically increases during recessions to prevent cuts and boost demand³.

These are some examples of how to make education funding more fair, but there may be other approaches as well. The main goal is to ensure that every student has access to a high-quality education regardless of their ZIP code or background.

Some of the challenges or drawbacks of these approaches are:

• - **Political resistance** from stakeholders who benefit from the current system or oppose higher taxes¹⁴.
• - **Technical difficulties** in measuring student needs, calculating funding formulas, and reporting school-level spending accurately¹².
• - **Unintended consequences** such as creating incentives for districts to over-identify students with special needs or discouraging local efforts to raise additional funds²⁴.
• - **Insufficient evidence** on the best ways to allocate and use additional resources to improve student outcomes³⁴.
• - **External factors** such as the COVID-19 pandemic, economic downturns, and demographic changes that affect education funding and demand³⁵.

These are some of the challenges or drawbacks of these approaches, but there may be others as well. The main point is that making education funding more fair is not a simple or easy task, but it is a worthwhile and necessary one.

There is no easy answer to how to overcome these challenges, but some possible strategies are:

• - **Building public awareness and support** for fair education funding by highlighting the benefits for students and society¹⁵.
• - **Engaging diverse stakeholders** such as educators, parents, students, community leaders, and policymakers in the design and implementation of funding reforms¹³.
• - **Using data and evidence** to inform funding decisions, monitor progress, and evaluate impact¹²³.
• - **Learning from best practices** of states or districts that have successfully implemented fair education funding approaches²⁴.
• - **Advocating for policy change** at the federal, state, and local levels to ensure adequate and equitable funding for all students²³⁴.

These are some possible strategies to overcome these challenges, but there may be others as well. The main point is that overcoming these challenges requires collective action and commitment from all stakeholders involved in education.

Some of the ways to build public awareness and support for fair education funding are:

• - **Using social media campaigns and viral challenges** to spread the message and engage the audience in a fun and interactive way¹.
• - **Using multichannel marketing strategies** to reach different segments of the population through various platforms and media outlets¹.
• - **Using peer-to-peer fundraising and ambassador campaigns** to leverage the power of personal networks and stories to raise funds and awareness¹.
• - **Using virtual awareness events** to educate and inspire the audience about the issue and the solutions, as well as to showcase the impact of fair education funding¹.
• - **Using partnerships with other local organizations** to amplify the voice and influence of the campaign, as well as to coordinate efforts and resources⁴.

These are some of the ways to build public awareness and support for fair education funding, but there may be others as well. The main point is that building public awareness and support requires creativity and collaboration from all stakeholders involved in education.

Yes, I have some examples of successful campaigns or initiatives that have built public awareness and support for fair education funding. Here are a few:

• - **The Campaign for Fair Education Funding** was a coalition of more than 50 organizations in Pennsylvania that advocated for a fair and adequate school funding formula. The campaign used research, media, events, and grassroots mobilization to educate the public and policymakers about the need for funding reform. The campaign's efforts contributed to the enactment of a new funding formula in 2016².
• - **The Making the Grade 2021** report was a publication by the Education Law Center that analyzed and graded the school finance systems of all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The report used data and evidence to highlight the gaps and disparities in education funding across the nation. The report also provided tools and resources for advocates to use in their campaigns for fair education funding¹.
• - **The World Water Day fundraiser campaign** by DigDeep was an online fundraising campaign that connected the issue of water access to the COVID-19 pandemic. The campaign used social media, viral challenges, and peer-to-peer fundraising to raise awareness and funds for providing clean water to communities in need. The campaign exceeded its initial goal by more than 40% in 2020 and doubled its goal in 2021⁵.

These are some examples of successful campaigns or initiatives that have built public awareness and support for fair education funding, but there may be others as well. The main point is that these campaigns or initiatives used various strategies and tactics to reach and engage their audiences and achieve their goals.

Some of the benefits of fair education funding that we can highlight to the public are:

• - **Better student outcomes**. Fair education funding can lead to higher test scores, graduation rates, college enrollment, and lifetime earnings for students, especially for low-income students and students of color²⁶.
• - **Better health**. Fair education funding can improve the health and well-being of students and their families by reducing poverty, increasing access to health care, and preventing chronic diseases¹.
• - **Stronger social atmosphere**. Fair education funding can foster a more diverse, inclusive, and democratic society by reducing racial and socioeconomic segregation, promoting civic engagement, and enhancing social cohesion¹.
• - **Longer life**. Fair education funding can extend the life expectancy of students and their communities by reducing violence, crime, and mortality rates¹.
• - **Economic growth**. Fair education funding can boost the economic productivity and competitiveness of the nation by increasing human capital, innovation, and tax revenues¹⁵.

These are some of the benefits of fair education funding that we can highlight to the public, but there may be others as well. The main point is that fair education funding is not only a matter of justice, but also a matter of investment in the future of our society.

Bing, 6/20/2023

Public education funding in the U.S. needs an overhaul. https://www.epi.org/publication/public-education-funding-in-the-us-needs-an-overhaul/.

A Quality Approach to School Funding - Center for American Progress. https://www.americanprogress.org/article/quality-approach-school-funding/.

Equity vs Equality in Education: Building Inclusivity. https://www.waterford.org/education/equity-vs-equality-in-education/.

Education Spending - Our World in Data. https://ourworldindata.org/financing-education.

Ensuring Fair School Funding for All Students - IDRA. https://www.idra.org/education_policy/ensuring-fair-school-funding-for-all-students/.

Federal and State Funding of Higher Education. https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/issue-briefs/2015/06/federal-and-state-funding-of-higher-education.

Successful Fundraising Campaign Examples: The 7 Best ... - Funraise. https://www.funraise.org/blog/examples-of-successful-nonprofit-fundraising-campaigns-during-the-covid-19-crisis.

Making the Grade 2021 | Education Law Center. https://edlawcenter.org/research/making-the-grade-2021.html.

How to Write The Perfect Fundraising Email [TEMPLATES] - Classy. https://www.classy.org/blog/writing-the-perfect-fundraising-email/.

Learn More - Pennsylvanians for Fair Funding. https://pafairfunding.org/resources/.

The Campaign for Fair Education Funding - Public Interest Law Center. https://pubintlaw.org/cases-and-projects/campaign-for-fair-education-funding/.

Nonprofit Awareness Campaigns: The Complete Guide - OneCause. https://www.onecause.com/blog/awareness-campaigns/.

Raising Awareness through Public Outreach Campaigns. https://www.sdgaccountability.org/working-with-informal-processes/raising-awareness-through-public-outreach-campaigns/.

Ensuring Fair School Funding for All Students - IDRA. https://www.idra.org/education_policy/ensuring-fair-school-funding-for-all-students/.

A Quality Approach to School Funding - Center for American Progress. https://www.americanprogress.org/article/quality-approach-school-funding/.

Public education funding in the U.S. needs an overhaul. https://www.epi.org/publication/public-education-funding-in-the-us-needs-an-overhaul/.

Beverly Hills Unified School District - U.S. News Education. https://www.usnews.com/education/k12/california/districts/beverly-hills-unified-112698.

Learning curve: Yawning gaps in school funding across LA County. https://xtown.la/2020/02/27/learning-curve-yawning-gaps-in-school-funding-across-la-county/.

Per Pupil Expenditure Transparency - Office of Elementary and Secondary .... https://oese.ed.gov/ppe/.

NEOLIBERALISM: THE FANCY WORD FOR THE FANCY PROBLEM THAT SCREWED US ALL

NEOLIBERALISM: THE FANCY WORD FOR THE FANCY PROBLEM THAT SCREWED US ALL

Have you ever heard of neoliberalism? It sounds like a fancy word for a fancy problem. And let me tell you, dear reader, it is. But don't worry, I'm here to break it down for you in a way that's both informative and hilarious.

So, what is neoliberalism? Well, it's basically a political-economic system that emerged in the 1970s and made free markets the goal of all decision making and policy. Sounds great, right? Wrong. It's actually been a complete disaster for America. But hey, at least we can laugh about it...right?

Under neoliberalism, unions have been crushed, minimum wage increases are rare, and manufacturing jobs have been shipped overseas. The social welfare state has been rolled back, industries have been deregulated, taxes have been cut, and public services have been privatized. In other words, it's been a total shitshow.

And the cherry on top? The economy is measured by the stock market, which very few workers have a significant stake in. So while the rich get richer, the rest of us are left to fight over scraps. But don't worry, it gets better.

To sell this unpopular agenda to the masses, corporate leaders made the discussion about jobs and wages solely about education and training. Because why take responsibility for your own self-interested actions when you can blame it on the workers?

So we were told that we lived in a knowledge economy and that there were plenty of high-paying jobs out there, but we just didn't have the right degrees. According to business leaders and policy makers, the education system was failing and had to be reformed.

But here's the thing: the so-called knowledge economy is a complete myth. In Reagan's America, only a small minority of jobs required college degrees. And today, only two of the top 10 most numerous occupations in Minnesota require education beyond high school.

Yet we've bought into this myth hook, line, and sinker. And it's led to some seriously misplaced policies, including the gradual defunding of public higher education and a student debt crisis that's left many of us drowning in debt.

But wait, there's more! Neoliberalism has also destroyed public education. How, you ask? Well, let me tell you.

First off, neoliberalism imposed a market logic on education, where schools and students are measured and ranked by standardized tests and outcomes. This reduced the quality and diversity of education, and created a culture of competition, accountability, and punishment.

Secondly, neoliberalism advocated for the privatization and deregulation of public education, where schools are run by private entities or charter operators, and are subject to market forces and consumer choice. This undermined the public funding and governance of education, and increased the inequality and segregation among schools and students.

Lastly, neoliberalism treated education as a commodity and a human capital investment, where the value of education is determined by its economic returns and benefits. This eroded the civic and social purposes of education, and devalued the role of teachers and students as critical thinkers and democratic citizens.

So there you have it, folks. Neoliberalism in a nutshell: a disaster for America that's been sold to us under the guise of a mythical knowledge economy. But don't worry, we can still laugh about it...right?

THE DEFT DIVE

According to various sources, **neoliberalism** is a political and economic ideology that advocates for free market capitalism, deregulation, reduction in government spending, globalization, free trade, and privatization¹²⁴. It emerged in the 1970s as a reaction to the welfare state and Keynesian economics that dominated the post-war era². Some of the influential thinkers of neoliberalism include Friedrich Hayek, Milton Friedman, and Ludwig von Mises²³.

Neoliberalism has been criticized for its negative effects on social equality, public services, environmental protection, labor rights, and democracy². Some of the examples of neoliberal policies and reforms include the Thatcherism in the UK, the Reaganomics in the US, the structural adjustment programs imposed by the IMF and the World Bank on developing countries, and the Washington Consensus that promoted market-oriented reforms in Latin America²³.

The major principles of neoliberalism are:

• - **Free market competition**: Neoliberals believe that the market is the best mechanism for allocating resources and ensuring efficiency. They oppose any form of government intervention or regulation that distorts or restricts market forces¹²⁴.
• - **Economic growth**: Neoliberals view economic growth as the primary goal and measure of human progress. They argue that free markets and trade promote innovation, productivity, and development²⁴.
• - **Limited government**: Neoliberals advocate for a minimal role of the state in economic and social affairs. They favor reducing public spending, taxes, subsidies, and welfare programs, and privatizing state-owned enterprises and services¹²⁴.
• - **Globalization**: Neoliberals support the integration of the world's economies based on the principles of free trade, open markets, and capital mobility. They oppose any barriers or restrictions to international trade and investment²³⁴.
• These are some of the core ideas of neoliberalism, but there are also variations and nuances within the neoliberal school of thought. Some of the main schools of neoliberalism include:
• - **Ordoliberalism**: A German variant of neoliberalism that emerged in the 1930s and 1940s. It emphasizes the importance of a strong legal framework and a social market economy that balances free competition with social welfare².
• - **Monetarism**: A school of economic thought that emerged in the 1950s and 1960s, led by Milton Friedman. It focuses on the role of money supply and monetary policy in controlling inflation and stabilizing the economy²³.
• - **Neoclassical liberalism**: A school of political philosophy that emerged in the 1970s and 1980s, led by Robert Nozick. It defends a minimal state that protects individual rights and property, and rejects any redistribution or social justice as unjustified coercion².
• - **Neoliberal institutionalism**: A school of international relations theory that emerged in the 1980s and 1990s. It argues that international cooperation and institutions can enhance the benefits of globalization and mitigate its negative effects².

According to various sources, neoliberalism has failed America in several ways, such as:

• - **Increasing economic inequality**: Neoliberal policies have favored the rich and powerful, while reducing the income and bargaining power of the majority of workers. The tax cuts, deregulation, and privatization of neoliberalism have increased the concentration of wealth and market power among a few corporations and individuals, while eroding the social safety net and public services for the rest²³⁴.
• - **Undermining democracy**: Neoliberalism has weakened the role of government as a representative of the public interest, and increased the influence of money and corporate interests in politics. Neoliberalism has also promoted a narrow conception of freedom as individual choice, while neglecting the collective and social dimensions of freedom and justice²³⁵.
• - **Exacerbating social and environmental problems**: Neoliberalism has ignored or worsened the social and environmental costs of free market capitalism, such as poverty, homelessness, racism, sexism, health disparities, climate change, and pollution. Neoliberalism has also reduced the public investment and regulation needed to address these problems, and shifted the burden to individuals and communities²³⁴.
• - **Causing economic instability and crises**: Neoliberalism has increased the volatility and fragility of the economy, by creating financial bubbles, speculative booms, and busts. The deregulation and globalization of neoliberalism have also exposed the economy to external shocks and contagion effects, while reducing the policy tools and coordination needed to prevent or mitigate them²³⁴.

According to various sources, some of the major funders of the neoliberal agenda include:

• - **Wealthy individuals and corporations**: Neoliberalism has been supported by rich and powerful actors who benefit from its policies and ideology. Some of the prominent examples include the Koch brothers, Rupert Murdoch, George Soros, Bill Gates, and Jeff Bezos³⁵.
• - **Think tanks and foundations**: Neoliberalism has been promoted by a network of think tanks and foundations that produce and disseminate neoliberal ideas and influence policy makers. Some of the influential examples include the American Enterprise Institute, the Heritage Foundation, the Cato Institute, the Institute of Economic Affairs, the Centre for Policy Studies, and the Adam Smith Institute²³.
• - **International institutions**: Neoliberalism has been imposed by international institutions that have leverage over developing countries and regions. Some of the key examples include the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and the United States Treasury Department²⁴.

According to various sources, some of the ways that neoliberalism destroyed public education include:

• - **Standardizing and testing**: Neoliberalism imposed a market logic on education, where schools and students are measured and ranked by standardized tests and outcomes. This reduced the quality and diversity of education, and created a culture of competition, accountability, and punishment¹³⁵.
• - **Privatizing and deregulating**: Neoliberalism advocated for the privatization and deregulation of public education, where schools are run by private entities or charter operators, and are subject to market forces and consumer choice. This undermined the public funding and governance of education, and increased the inequality and segregation among schools and students¹²⁴.
• - **Commodifying and devaluing**: Neoliberalism treated education as a commodity and a human capital investment, where the value of education is determined by its economic returns and benefits. This eroded the civic and social purposes of education, and devalued the role of teachers and students as critical thinkers and democratic citizens¹³⁵.

Source: Conversation with Bing, 6/20/2023

Neoliberalism – the ideology at the root of all our problems. https://www.theguardian.com/books/2016/apr/15/neoliberalism-ideology-problem-george-monbiot.

Neoliberalism: What It Is, With Examples and Pros and Cons - Investopedia. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/n/neoliberalism.asp.

Neoliberalism - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neoliberalism.

The effects of neoliberal policies on access to healthcare for people .... https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5688676/.

Neoliberalism | Definition, Ideology, & Examples | Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/neoliberalism.

How Capitalism Dominated America — And Why It Wasn't Inevitable - NPR. https://www.npr.org/2021/07/05/1012733811/capitalism-neoliberalism-america-ideology.

Neoliberalism: Political Success, Economic Failure. https://prospect.org/economy/neoliberalism-political-success-economic-failure/.

Hiltzik: The enduring failure of economic neoliberalism - Los Angeles Times. https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2022-10-04/uc-j-bradford-delong-economist-reaganomics-neoliberalism.

The crisis of neoliberalism: America arrives at one of history’s great .... https://www.salon.com/2021/08/15/the-crisis-of-neoliberalism-america-arrives-at-one-of-historys-great-crossroads_partner/.

The Empirical Failures of Neoliberalism - Roosevelt Institute. https://rooseveltinstitute.org/publications/the-empirical-failures-of-neoliberalism/.

Neoliberal Theory of the State - PSB. https://politicalscienceblog.com/neoliberal-theory-of-the-state/.

Neoliberalism - Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/neoliberalism/.

Neoliberalism - Overview, History, Characteristics, and Schools of Thought. https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/economics/neoliberalism/.

Neoliberalism | Definition, Ideology, & Examples | Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/neoliberalism.

MOMS FOR LIBERTY LOVES THEIR PROUD BOYS

MOMS FOR LIBERTY LOVES THEIR PROUD BOYS

Moms for Liberty and the Proud Boys. Two groups that you wouldn't necessarily expect to have anything in common. But as it turns out, these two groups have a surprisingly close relationship. And by close, I mean uncomfortably close.

For those of you who aren't familiar with Moms for Liberty, they're a group of moms who are passionate about protecting their children's rights and freedoms. And for those of you who aren't familiar with the Proud Boys, they're a group of...well, let's just say they're a group of guys who like to wear polo shirts and yell things about Western chauvinism.

So how did these two groups end up in cahoots? It all started when Moms for Liberty organized a rally to protest the teaching of critical race theory in schools. The Proud Boys showed up to show their support, and before anyone knew it, they were all best buds.

At first, the moms were a little hesitant about their new friends. After all, the Proud Boys have been labeled a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center. But then they started to see the appeal. The Proud Boys were strong, assertive, and they weren't afraid to stand up for what they believed in. Plus, they had some pretty cool tattoos.

Before long, the moms and the Proud Boys were hanging out all the time. They went to rallies together, they had BBQs together, and they even started a book club together (although they mostly just read books about how great America is).

But as their relationship grew stronger, some of the moms started to notice some...interesting behavior from their new friends. For one thing, they were always talking about "Western chauvinism" and how great it was to be a man. And for another thing, they kept trying to get the moms to join in on their "initiation rituals."

Now, I don't want to get into the details of these rituals, but let's just say that they involve a lot of shouting and punching. And while some of the moms were into it (I'm looking at you, Karen), others were starting to feel a little uncomfortable.

But despite these red flags, the moms and the Proud Boys continued to hang out. They even started planning a joint fundraiser to raise money for...something. I'm not exactly sure what they were raising money for, but I'm pretty sure it involved buying more polo shirts.

And then one day, everything came crashing down. It turns out that one of the Proud Boys had been arrested for assaulting someone at a rally. And when the moms found out, they were horrified. They had always thought of the Proud Boys as their friends, but now they were starting to see them for what they really were: a bunch of dudes who like to punch people.

In the end, the moms decided to cut ties with the Proud Boys. They realized that while it was nice to have some tough guys on their side, it wasn't worth compromising their values or their safety. Plus, they were starting to get tired of all the shouting.

So what did we learn from this whole debacle? Well, for one thing, it's important to be careful who you associate with. And for another thing, maybe we should all start reading more books that aren't about how great America is. Just a thought.

Inside Moms for Liberty’s Close Relationship With the Proud Boys https://www.vice.com/en/article/5d93qd/moms-for-liberty-proud-boys via @vicenews 

CLASSICAL EDUCATION OR CRASSICAL EDUCATION

CLASSICAL EDUCATION OR CRASSICAL EDUCATION

Classical education is a term that sounds very fancy and sophisticated. It conjures up images of students wearing togas and laurel wreaths, reading Plato and Homer in their original Greek, and debating the meaning of life and the nature of reality. It also sounds very old-fashioned and outdated, like something that belongs in a museum rather than a classroom. But classical education is not just a relic of the past. It is a movement that has been gaining popularity and support in some sectors of education, especially among independent, charter, and home schools. It claims to offer a superior form of education that is based on the liberal arts, the canons of classical literature, the fine arts, and the history of civilization. It aims to cultivate wisdom, virtue, and beauty in students by engaging them with the great books and ideas of the past and present.

But is classical education really all that it's cracked up to be? Or is it just a pretentious and elitist way of indoctrinating students with a narrow and biased view of the world? Is it a renaissance or a reaction? Is it classical or crassical?

Let's take a closer look at some of the pros and cons of this approach.

Pros

• - It encourages every student to engage with the learning process. Classical education reaches children in unique ways based on their physical development. Students in the K-6 grades learn more about grammar here because they find it easy to memorize rhymes, songs, and chants to retain information. Kids who can remember specific tunes can remember lessons for a lifetime. Moving into grades 7-9, the logic stage occurs because this time is when children typically challenge facts and the authority of others. When the rhetoric stage occurs in grades 10-12, classical education encourages students to become independent thinkers. The emphasis shifts to their ability to study, practice, and communicate with others. This skill allows them to understand the art of effective writing and persuasive speaking.
• - It offers centuries of results to study. Classical education has been used in Western cultures for centuries, with each era modifying the definition and adding its own selection of topics. By the end of the 18th century, in addition to the trivium and quadrivium of the Middle Ages, the definition of a classical education embraced study of literature, poetry, drama, philosophy, history, art, and languages. In the 20th and 21st centuries, classical education has been used to refer to a broad-based study of the liberal arts and sciences, in contrast to a practical or pre-professional program. Classical education has produced some of the most influential thinkers and leaders in history, such as Aristotle, Cicero, Augustine, Aquinas, Shakespeare, Newton, Jefferson, Lincoln, Churchill, and many more.
• - It provides a foundation of usable information. Despite there being a lack of specialization in this curriculum, students who go through classical education have a foundation of usable information. They can take the lessons learned and apply them in a variety of ways. They have a rich vocabulary and grammar skills from studying Latin and other ancient languages. They have a logical and analytical mind from studying mathematics and science. They have a cultural and historical awareness from studying literature and history. They have an aesthetic and creative sensibility from studying art and music.

Cons

• - It creates division when paired with the modern educational system. Some classical educators may view themselves as superior to or separate from other educators who follow different curricula or pedagogies. They may also reject or ignore the contributions of diverse cultures and perspectives to human knowledge and civilization. They may think that their way is the only right way to educate students, and that anyone who disagrees with them is ignorant or misguided. They may also isolate themselves from the rest of society by creating their own bubbles or echo chambers where they only interact with like-minded people.
• - It does not offer specialization. Classical education tends to focus on a broad and general curriculum that covers many subjects but does not go into depth or detail in any of them. This may limit the students' ability to pursue their interests or passions or to prepare for specific careers or fields of study. For example, if a student wants to become an engineer or a doctor or a lawyer or an accountant or an artist or a musician or an athlete or anything else that requires specialized skills or knowledge, they may not find enough support or guidance in classical education. They may also miss out on some of the latest developments and innovations in their chosen fields, as classical education tends to emphasize the past over the present or the future.
• - It can change how students approach their first language. Classical education often requires students to study Latin and sometimes other ancient languages. While this may enrich their vocabulary and grammar skills, it may also interfere with their natural acquisition and expression of their native language. For example, if a student speaks English as their first language, they may start to use Latin words or phrases or constructions that are not common or appropriate in modern English. They may also lose some of the nuances or idioms or slang that are part of everyday speech. They may sound more formal or stiff or awkward than they need to be. They may also have trouble communicating with people who do not share their classical background or education.
• - It has deficiencies in mathematics and science. Classical education tends to emphasize the arts of word over the arts of number. It may neglect or overlook the advances and discoveries made in mathematics and science in the modern era. It may also fail to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to understand and engage with the scientific and technological challenges of today and tomorrow.
• - It is very rigid in its approach. Classical education follows a fixed and predetermined curriculum that is based on a specific canon of works and authors. It may not allow for much flexibility or adaptation to the needs, interests, or abilities of individual students or teachers. It may also stifle creativity or innovation by imposing a strict structure and method on learning and teaching.
• - It has a performance element that may cause stress or anxiety. Classical education often involves recitation, imitation, memorization, and rhetoric as key components of learning and assessment. These activities may put pressure on students to perform well in front of others or to conform to certain standards or expectations. They may also discourage critical thinking or originality by encouraging repetition or emulation.

Conclusion

Classical education is a movement that has its pros and cons. It is a form of education that has its roots in ancient history, but it also has implications for contemporary society. Whether it is a renaissance or a reaction remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: it is not for everyone. Some people may love it and thrive in it, while others may hate it and suffer in it. Some people may find it inspiring and enlightening, while others may find it boring and oppressive. Some people may see it as a way of pursuing truth, virtue, and beauty, while others may see it as a way of imposing dogma, elitism, and exclusion.

So, before you enroll yourself or your child in a classical school or program, make sure you do your research and weigh your options carefully. Don't just follow the hype or the trend or the crowd. Think for yourself and decide what is best for you and your goals and your values.

And remember: classical education is not the only way to get a good education. There are many other ways to learn and grow and become a well-rounded and successful person. You don't need to study Latin or read Plato or wear a toga to be smart or wise or happy.

Unless you really want to, of course.

Here are some reasons why you might want to:

• - You enjoy being confused by ancient texts that have multiple translations and interpretations.
• - You like to show off your knowledge of obscure facts and trivia that no one else cares about.
• - You have a fetish for old-fashioned clothing and accessories.
• - You have a secret crush on Socrates or Cicero or Augustine or Aquinas or Shakespeare or Newton or Jefferson or Lincoln or Churchill or any other dead white guy.
• - You have nothing better to do with your life.
• Here are some reasons why you might not want to:
• - You value diversity and inclusion and respect for other cultures and perspectives.
• - You have specific interests and passions that you want to pursue in depth and detail.
• - You speak English as your first language and you want to keep it that way.
• - You are interested in mathematics and science and the wonders of the modern world.
• - You are creative and innovative and like to try new things.
• - You are stressed out enough without having to recite poems or speeches in front of strangers.

The choice is yours. But whatever you choose, don't let anyone tell you what is best for you.

Unless they are me, of course.

Because I know everything.

And I'm hilarious.

THE DEFT DIVE

Who are the supporters of classical education

Some of the supporters of classical education are organizations and publishers that provide resources, training, and advocacy for this approach. For example, **Veritas Press**, **Classical Academic Press**, **Memoria Press**, and **Canon Press** offer books, curricula, and online courses for classical educators and students. The **Circe Institute** and the **Institute for Classical Education** offer professional development, conferences, and research for classical teachers and leaders. The **Association of Classical Christian Schools**, the **Society for Classical Learning**, and the **Institute for Catholic Liberal Education** represent and support classical schools of various faith traditions. The **Classic Learning Test** is an alternative to the SAT and ACT that is based on classical texts and ideas. ¹²³

 Bing, 6/20/2023

(1) Classical education movement - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classical_education_movement.

(2) Classical education is growing. Here's how to keep it that way.. https://fordhaminstitute.org/national/commentary/classical-education-growing-heres-how-keep-it-way.

(3) 18 Pros and Cons of the Classical Education Model and Curriculum. https://vittana.org/18-pros-and-cons-of-the-classical-education-model-and-curriculum.

Charter school and voucher organizations that support classical education. 

Another group of supporters of classical education are charter school and voucher organizations that seek to expand parental choice and access to this approach. For example, **Great Hearts Academies** is a network of public charter schools that offer a classical liberal arts curriculum in Arizona and Texas. It serves over 22,000 students and has a waiting list of over 13,000. ² **Hillsdale College** is a private liberal arts college that promotes classical education and has partnered with several charter schools across the country to provide curricular and pedagogical guidance.  **School Choice Indiana** is an organization that advocates for school vouchers and tax credit scholarships that enable low-income families to afford private schools, including classical ones.

Bing, 6/20/2023

(1) What Do We Know About Vouchers and Charter Schools? - RAND Corporation. https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_briefs/RB8018.html.

(2) School Vouchers: What You Need to Know - Understood. https://www.understood.org/en/articles/school-vouchers-what-you-need-to-know.

(3) Classical education movement - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classical_education_movement.

(4) Classical education is growing. Here's how to keep it that way.. https://fordhaminstitute.org/national/commentary/classical-education-growing-heres-how-keep-it-way.

The classical education movement receives funding from various sources, such as:

• - Private donors and foundations that support classical education and school choice. For example, the **Lovett and Ruth Peters Foundation**, the **Templeton Foundation**, the **Kern Family Foundation**, and the **Bradley Foundation** have given grants to classical schools and organizations. ¹²³
• - Public funds that are available for charter schools and voucher programs. For example, **Great Hearts Academies** and **Hillsdale College's Barney Charter School Initiative** operate public charter schools that offer classical education in several states. Some states also allow vouchers or tax credit scholarships to be used for private classical schools. ⁴⁵
• - Tuition and fees paid by parents who enroll their children in private classical schools or online courses. For example, **Veritas Press**, **Classical Academic Press**, **Memoria Press**, and **Canon Press** offer books, curricula, and online courses for classical educators and students.

Bing, 6/20/2023

(1) Classical education is growing. Here's how to keep it that way.. https://fordhaminstitute.org/national/commentary/classical-education-growing-heres-how-keep-it-way.

(2) Amid the Pandemic, a Classical Education Boom: What if the Next Big .... https://www.the74million.org/article/amid-the-pandemic-a-classical-education-boom-what-if-the-next-big-school-trend-is-2500-years-old/.

(3) Neoliberal Education Reform Paved the Way for Right-Wing “Classical .... https://jacobin.com/2023/02/desantis-florida-hillsdale-classical-education-neoliberalism.

(4) Classical education movement - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classical_education_movement.

(5) The Renaissance of the Classical School | James Hankins. https://www.firstthings.com/web-exclusives/2022/04/the-renaissance-of-the-classical-school.