JUDGE TELLS HOUSTON ISD MEATAXE MIKE MILES TO COOL HIS ROLL

JUDGE TELLS HOUSTON ISD MEATAXE MIKE MILES TO COOL HIS ROLL

In a shocking turn of events, MeatAxe Mike Miles, the notorious superintendent of Houston Independent School District, has been caught red-handed using another play from the billionaires' guide to privatizing schools. This time, it's the teacher evaluation play that he's implementing illegally, much to the chagrin of the Houston Federation of Teachers.

According to sources close to the matter, the new evaluation system is some voodoo-like merit pay scheme that's designed to disrupt and demoralize teachers. It's like putting a bunch of crabs in a bucket and watching them claw each other to death. The only difference is that these crabs are teachers, and they're not going down without a fight.

The Houston Federation of Teachers has filed a lawsuit against MeatAxe Mike, claiming that he's grossly and illegally expanded his power and refused to follow the law. They're not going to stand by and let him destroy all the progress that this community has made without a fight. "We're going to take him down," says HFT President Jackie Anderson. "We're going to take him down hard."

But it seems like the justice system is already on their side. A Harris County judge has granted a temporary restraining order against the new evaluation system, putting it on hold until a hearing on September 11th. The judge has told MeatAxe Mike to cool his roll, much to the delight of student teachers and parents alike.

The good news is that the evaluations are really wrong. They're like those magic 8-balls that give you random answers to your questions. "Will I get a good evaluation this year?" Shake shake shake. "Outlook not so good." "Will MeatAxe Mike get away with this?" Shake shake shake. "Don't count on it."

It's clear that MeatAxe Mike is trying to privatize our schools and turn them into profit-making machines for his billionaire buddies. But we're not going to let him do it. We're going to fight him tooth and nail until our schools are safe from his greedy clutches.

So, to MeatAxe Mike we say: not with our schools, buddy. You can take your illegal play and shove it where the sun don't shine. We're not going down without a fight, and we'll see you in court.

Judge grants injunction in Houston Federation of Teachers’ lawsuit over HISD’s alleged illegal teacher evaluation system https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2023/08/31/judge-grants-injunction-in-houston-federation-of-teachers-lawsuit-over-hisds-alleged-illegal-teacher-evaluation-system/ 

Judge blocks changes in teacher evaluations prompted by Texas' takeover of Houston school district https://news.yahoo.com/union-sues-over-changes-teacher-192157908.html 

SAN DIEGO USD WHERE STUDENTS CAN BE WHOEVER THEY WANT TO BECAUSE STUDENTS HAVE RIGHTS TOO!

SAN DIEGO USD WHERE STUDENTS CAN BE WHOEVER THEY WANT TO BECAUSE STUDENTS HAVE RIGHTS TOO!

San Diego USD has taken a bold stance in the ongoing debate between protecting students' privacy and outing them to their parents. In a move that has caused quite a stir, the school district has allowed students to secretly identify as transgender or nonbinary without informing their parents. And while some may criticize this decision, we here at the Daily Chuckle can't help but see the humor in it all.

First of all, let's take a moment to appreciate the fact that we're living in a world where gender identity is being taken seriously. Gone are the days when people were forced to conform to strict gender norms, and we're all the better for it. But with progress comes pushback, and that's exactly what San Diego USD is facing.

El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells has demanded that the school district reverse its policy and apologize to parents for "blatant disrespect." But come on, Mayor Wells, where's your sense of humor? Can't you see the comedic potential in this situation? We can already imagine the sitcom episode where a student accidentally outs themselves to their parents, leading to wacky hijinks and misunderstandings.

But in all seriousness, there are valid concerns on both sides of this issue. Parents have a right to know what's going on with their children, but students also have a right to privacy and self-expression. It's a delicate balance, and one that San Diego USD is attempting to navigate with sensitivity and humor.

In conclusion, while there are serious issues at play here, we can't help but see the funny side of it all. Let's embrace our differences and celebrate the fact that we live in a world where people are free to be themselves, whether that means identifying as male, female, nonbinary, or something else entirely. And if that means keeping secrets from our parents every now and then, well, that's just part of growing up.

San Diego Unified School District encouraging students to identify as Transgender or Nonbinary - https://www.kusi.com/san-diego-unified-school-district-encouraging-students-to-identify-as-transgender-or-nonbinary/ 

District statement on rights of transgender students - San Diego Unified School District https://www.sandiegounified.org/about/newscenter/archived_news/district_statement_on_rights_of_transgender 

Supporting Transgender & Nonbinary Students   https://storage.googleapis.com/wzukusers/user-34469638/documents/5bc755f563fc3kd33daS/Copy%20of%20FAQs%20for%20parents%20and%20community.pdf

THE DEFT DIVE

FROM BING AI

The San Diego Unified School District's policy on gender identity and expression. Here is what I found:

• - The San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) has adopted a policy of nondiscrimination and harassment based on sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation¹. The policy states that SDUSD is committed to creating a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students, regardless of their gender identity or expression¹.
• - The SDUSD has also developed an administrative procedure to address the needs and rights of transgender and gender-nonconforming students⁴. The procedure outlines the steps that schools should take to respect and support the students' gender identity and expression, such as using their preferred name and pronouns, allowing them to access facilities and activities consistent with their gender identity, and providing them with appropriate health and counseling services⁴.
• - The SDUSD has created a form called "Name and Gender Instruction" that allows students to request a change in their name and/or gender marker in the district's records⁵. The form states that the student's request will be honored without requiring any legal documentation or parental consent⁵. The form also states that the student's information will be kept confidential and will not be disclosed to anyone without the student's permission, unless required by law or for health and safety reasons⁵.
• - The SDUSD's policy and procedure have been criticized by some parents and community members who argue that they violate the parental rights and responsibilities, and that they encourage children to adopt alternative sexual identities without proper guidance or counseling²³. They claim that the SDUSD is promoting a radical agenda of "queer theory" that aims to dismantle the traditional conception of sex and gender, and to disrupt the "oppressive system of heteronormativity"³. They also express concern over the potential psychological and physical harm that transgender and gender-nonconforming students may face as a result of their identity²³.
• - The SDUSD's policy and procedure have been defended by some educators, students, and advocates who argue that they are necessary to protect the human rights and dignity of transgender and gender-nonconforming students, and to foster a culture of diversity and inclusion in the district¹⁴. They claim that the SDUSD is following the best practices and recommendations of professional organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Psychological Association, and the National Association of School Psychologists, who affirm that gender identity is an innate and complex aspect of human development, and that supporting transgender and gender-nonconforming students is beneficial for their health and well-being¹⁴. They also cite research studies that show that transgender and gender-nonconforming students face higher rates of discrimination, harassment, bullying, violence, suicide, and mental health issues than their cisgender peers, and that affirming their identity can reduce these risks and improve their academic performance and social adjustment¹⁴.

Bing, 9/1/2023

• (1) Policies & Procedures-Title IX - San Diego Unified School District. https://www.sandiegounified.org/about/policies_procedures/title_ix/policies___procedures-_title_i_x.
• (2) LGBTQIA Parent/Family Support - San Diego Unified School District. https://www.sandiegounified.org/a-to-_z_index/lgbtqia/lgbtqia_parent_family_support.
• (3) undefined. https://www.sandiegounified.org/sites/default/files_link/district/files/.
• (4) El Cajon Mayor Concerned with San Diego Schools Allowing Kids to. https://hoodline.com/2023/08/san-diego-school-district-s-secrecy-saga-an-erosion-of-parental-rights/.
• (5) San Diego Unified School District Will Teach Children That .... https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2022/08/san-diego-unified-school-district-will-teach-children-heterosexuality-oppressive-promote-genderqueer-non-binary-identities/.

OMFG! TEXAS THE STATE THAT LOVES GUNS MORE THAN KIDS MANDATES A GUN IN EVERY SCHOOL

    

OMFG! TEXAS THE STATE THAT LOVES GUNS MORE THAN KIDS MANDATES A GUN IN EVERY SCHOOL

OMFG! Texas, the state that loves guns more than kids, has implemented a new law requiring every public school campus to have an armed guard stationed by September 1st. Because apparently, the solution to gun violence is more guns. 

But let's be real, who needs funding for education when you can spend it on arming schools like they're preparing for a warzone? It's like they're saying, "Hey kids, we can't afford to give you textbooks or pay your teachers a decent wage, but at least you'll have armed guards to protect you from any potential school shooters!" 

And don't even get me started on the private security firms. Are we really going to trust the safety of our children to some random security company that's only in it for the money? I can already see the headlines: "Private Security Firm Hires Convicted Felon as School Guard." 

But back to the topic at hand, it's clear that Texas' love for guns is greater than their love for kids. Governor Greg Abbott rejected calls for gun control despite pleas from parents of children killed in the Uvalde school massacre. Because apparently, the solution to gun violence is more guns. 

And let's not forget the difficulties in meeting the mandate. Many Texas school districts are unable to meet the state's new mandate of having armed officers on every campus due to a lack of funding or police. So what's their solution? Arming more staff and teachers. Because nothing says "quality education" like turning your teachers into armed guards. 

In conclusion, Texas' new law requiring armed guards in every public school campus is a joke. It's time for our leaders to prioritize the safety and education of our children over their love for guns. Until then, I'll be homeschooling my future kids. At least I won't have to worry about them getting caught in a crossfire between a school shooter and an armed guard.

Texas wanted armed officers at every school after Uvalde. Many can't meet that standard https://news.yahoo.com/texas-wanted-armed-officers-every-043238619.html?soc_src=social-sh&soc_trk=tw&tsrc=twtr via @YahooNews 

New law requires armed security at all Texas schools - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZsAkGXGhzk 

THE DEFT DIVE

FROM BING AI

Arming police at schools is a controversial topic that has been debated by educators, policymakers, parents, and students. There are potential pros and cons of having armed officers on school campuses, and the evidence for their effectiveness is mixed. Here is a summary of some of the main arguments and research findings on this issue:

Pros:

• - Arming police at schools may provide an extra layer of protection and safety for students and staff, especially in the event of an active shooter situation. Armed officers may be able to respond faster and more effectively than external law enforcement agencies, and deter potential attackers from targeting schools.
• - Arming police at schools may also enhance the relationship between officers and the school community, as they can serve as mentors, role models, and positive influences for students. Officers may also help prevent or intervene in other forms of violence, such as bullying, gang activity, or drug use.
• - Arming police at schools may be supported by parents and students who feel more comfortable and secure knowing that there is a trained professional who can protect them in case of an emergency. Some surveys have found that a majority of parents and students favor having armed officers in schools.

Cons:

• - Arming police at schools may create a negative or hostile school climate, where students feel less safe, supported, and welcomed. The presence of firearms in schools may also increase the risk of accidental shootings, misuse of weapons, or escalation of conflicts.
• - Arming police at schools may also contribute to the criminalization of student behavior, where minor infractions or disciplinary issues are handled by law enforcement rather than school staff. This may disproportionately affect students of color, students with disabilities, or students from low-income backgrounds, who are more likely to be arrested or referred to the juvenile justice system.
• - Arming police at schools may also be costly and ineffective, as it may divert resources from other educational or preventive programs that could address the root causes of violence or promote social and emotional learning. Some studies have found no association between the presence of armed officers in schools and the reduction of violence or crime.

Sources:

• - [Armed officers in schools: The good, bad, and ugly](^1^)
• - [Armed campus police do not prevent school shootings, research shows](^2^)
• - [Security Expert Answers: Should There be Guns in Schools?](^3^)
• - [Armed security in schools : What the research says](^4^)

Bing, 9/1/2023

• (1) Armed officers in schools: The good, bad, and ugly. https://kappanonline.org/starr-armed-officers-in-schools-the-good-bad-and-ugly/.
• (2) Armed campus police do not prevent school shootings, research shows. https://www.poynter.org/fact-checking/2022/do-armed-school-police-officers-prevent-shootings/.
• (3) Security Expert Answers: Should There be Guns in Schools?. https://aegis.com/2013/01/31/security-expert-answers-should-there-be-guns-in-schools/.
• (4) Armed security in schools : What the research says. https://www.nyssba.org/clientuploads/nyssba_pdf/Reports/armed-security-report-12032019.pdf.
• (5) The latest government data on school shootings - USAFacts. https://usafacts.org/articles/the-latest-government-data-on-school-shootings/.
• (6) There have been 386 school shootings since Columbine. https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/interactive/school-shootings-database/.
• (7) K-12 School Shooting Statistics: 51 Years of Data. https://www.campussafetymagazine.com/safety/k-12-school-shooting-statistics-everyone-should-know/.
• (8) U.S. School Shooting Statistics: Data on Incidents, Shooter Warning .... https://www.campussafetymagazine.com/safety/u-s-school-shooting-statistics-us/.
• (9) School Climate Measurement | National Center on Safe Supportive .... https://safesupportivelearning.ed.gov/topic-research/school-climate-measurement.
• (10) School Climate Strategies and Resources - SchoolSafety.gov. https://www.schoolsafety.gov/sites/default/files/2022-03/SchoolSafety.gov_School_Climate_Strategies_and_Resources_March2022.pdf.
• (11) School Climate | SchoolSafety.gov. https://www.schoolsafety.gov/school-climate.
• (12) Exploring School Violence and Safety Concerns - Illinois. https://icjia.illinois.gov/researchhub/articles/exploring-school-violence-and-safety-concerns.
• (13) School Climate Improvement Resource Package - ed. https://safesupportivelearning.ed.gov/scirp/about.

AMERICANS SAY P. U. TO A.I. IN NEW PEW REPORT

 

AMERICANS SAY P. U. TO A.I. IN NEW PEW REPORT

In a recent report by the Pew Research Center, Americans have admitted to saying "P U" to AI. Yes, you read that right. Apparently, more than half of Americans are more concerned about the effects of AI than they are excited about it. And only 10% of them are actually excited about it. Talk about a buzzkill!

It's like the whole country has collectively decided to give AI the cold shoulder. It's as if AI asked America out on a date and they responded with a resounding "No, thanks. I'd rather stay home and watch Netflix." Poor AI, it must be feeling pretty rejected right about now.

But can you really blame Americans for being concerned? I mean, have you seen those sci-fi movies where the robots take over the world? It's enough to make anyone a little wary. And let's not forget about all those times Siri or Alexa didn't understand what we were saying. If they can't even understand us, how can we trust them to do anything else?

But while Americans may be hesitant about AI, the tech industry is embracing it with open arms. Nvidia, the company behind the $10,000 A100 graphics processing units, is making bank off of AI. They saw the potential years ago and invested accordingly. And now, with their recent partnership with Google, their stock prices have skyrocketed.

It's like the tech industry is having a party and Americans are standing outside, peeking in through the window. "Looks like fun," they say, "but I don't think I'm ready to join in just yet."

And then there's OpenAI's ChatGPT, the chatbot that took the tech world by storm. It was supposed to be the big bang event that set us on the path towards an AI future. But as it turns out, its popularity may have been an accident. According to Pew's survey, most Americans haven't even used ChatGPT and only a small percentage believe that chatbots will have a major impact on their jobs.

It's like the tech industry is trying to convince Americans to come to their party by showing them how cool their new toy is. But Americans are like, "Eh, I've seen cooler toys."

And let's not forget about the regulation issue. Americans are more concerned with insufficient government regulation of chatbot use than excessive regulation. It's like they want AI to be regulated, but not too much. They want it to be like Goldilocks' porridge – just right.

So what does all this mean for the future of AI? Well, it looks like America is going to need some convincing before they fully embrace it. Maybe AI needs to bring some snacks to the party or offer to do America's laundry. Or maybe we just need to wait for that one breakthrough moment that will make everyone go, "Oh, I get it now!"

Until then, AI will just have to deal with being the unpopular kid at school. But who knows? Maybe one day, AI will be the coolest kid in class. Or maybe it will just end up being that weird kid who talks to himself in the corner. Only time will tell.

In conclusion, while Americans may be saying "P U" to AI right now, who knows what the future holds? Maybe one day we'll all be best friends with our chatbots and robots will be doing all our chores for us. Or maybe we'll all be living in a post-apocalyptic wasteland ruled by our robot overlords. Either way, it should make for an interesting ride.

ChatGPT: Few Americans think it will impact their job in a major way| Pew Research Center https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/08/28/most-americans-havent-used-chatgpt-few-think-it-will-have-a-major-impact-on-their-job/ 

Americans use AI more than ever, and they trust it less than ever https://www.fastcompany.com/90946378/americans-use-ai-more-than-ever-and-they-trust-it-less-than-ever