THE END IS NEAR SELL YOUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS STOCK

 

THE END IS NEAR SELL YOUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS STOCK

Ladies and gentlemen, it's time to panic! The end is near, and it's time to sell your public schools stock. Why, you ask? Well, according to Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Cara Fitzpatrick, the death of public school is upon us. And who's to blame? MAGA Conservatives, of course. They've won the war over education in America, and it's time to wave the white flag.

In her new book, Fitzpatrick traces the history of the fight for who gets to decide what public education means. She argues that the boundaries between church and state have eroded, and legal arguments for private school vouchers have increased. But wait, there's more! The book also highlights how unions have played a pivotal role in blocking or slowing school choice, but ultimately, they were not going to stop all of it.

Private school vouchers are a hot topic in education policy, and critics have raised some valid concerns. For example, vouchers may divert public funds from public schools, which may already be struggling to provide quality education for all students. They may also create a two-tiered system of education, where wealthy families can afford to send their children to the best private schools, while low-income families are left with fewer options and resources.

But let's not forget the potential benefits of private school vouchers. After all, they may improve student achievement or outcomes, especially for disadvantaged students. And while some studies have found that students who use vouchers to attend private schools do not perform any better than their public school peers, we're sure there are some success stories out there somewhere. Right? Right?

In any case, it's time to start thinking about the future of education in America. Will private schools take over? Will public schools become a thing of the past? Will we all end up homeschooling our kids? Only time will tell. But in the meantime, we suggest you start stockpiling canned goods and building a bunker. You know, just in case.

A Q&A with the author of “The Death of Public School” - Vox https://www.vox.com/policy/23847728/public-school-vouchers-choice-cara-fitzpatrick-book

Florida’s expanded school voucher system explained: What’s changed and who’s eligible – NBC 6 South Florida https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/floridas-expanded-school-voucher-system-explained-whats-changed-and-whos-eligible/3104356/

Yes, Florida voucher program covers skateboards, TVs, theme parks | firstcoastnews.com https://www.firstcoastnews.com/article/news/verify/yes-school-vouchers-can-be-used-for-tvs-skateboards-theme-park-tickets-in-florida/77-7cabfe3f-8bb2-4525-996a-4b2abd572ef7

How new Iowa education laws apply to public vs. private schools https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/education/2023/09/05/how-new-iowa-education-laws-apply-to-public-vs-private-schools/70710914007/

THE DEFT DIVE

FROM BING AI

Private school vouchers are a controversial topic in education policy. There are many arguments for and against them, but here are some of the main points that critics of vouchers raise:

• - Private school vouchers divert public funds from public schools, which may already be underfunded and struggling to provide quality education for all students. Vouchers may also create a two-tiered system of education, where wealthy families can afford to send their children to the best private schools, while low-income families are left with fewer options and resources. ¹²⁴
• - Private school vouchers may not improve student achievement or outcomes, especially for disadvantaged students. Some studies have found that students who use vouchers to attend private schools do not perform any better than their public school peers, or even worse in some cases. This may be because private schools have different curricula and standards than public schools, or because they are not well-equipped to serve the diverse needs of voucher students. ¹⁵
• - Private school vouchers may violate the principle of separation of church and state, as well as the civil rights of students and families. Many private schools are religiously affiliated, and may discriminate based on factors like religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or academic ability. Voucher programs may also lack accountability and transparency, as private schools are not subject to the same regulations and oversight as public schools. ²⁴⁶

Bing, 9/5/2023

• (1) What Parents Need to Know About School Vouchers - U.S. News & World Report. https://www.usnews.com/education/k12/articles/what-parents-need-to-know-about-school-vouchers.
• (2) School Vouchers - Pros & Cons - ProCon.org. https://www.procon.org/headlines/school-vouchers-top-4-pros-and-cons/.
• (3) The Problem with Private School Vouchers - Progressive.org. https://progressive.org/magazine/private-school-vouchers-levin/.
• (4) The impact of voucher programs: A deep dive into the research. https://fordhaminstitute.org/national/commentary/impact-voucher-programs-deep-dive-research.
• (5) The Danger Private School Voucher Programs Pose to Civil Rights. https://www.americanprogress.org/article/danger-private-school-voucher-programs-pose-civil-rights/.
• (6) School Vouchers Pros and Cons | APECSEC.org. https://apecsec.org/school-vouchers-pros-and-cons/.

BACK TO SCHOOL COVID AND CULTURE WARS: THE NEW NORMAL OR THE END OF CIVILIZATION AS WE KNOW IT

 

BACK TO SCHOOL COVID AND CULTURE WARS

THE NEW NORMAL OR THE END OF CIVILIZATION AS WE KNOW IT

Well, folks, it's that time of year again. The time when parents rejoice and kids groan as school starts up once more. But this year, there's a new twist: COVID-19 is still hanging around like that one annoying kid who never leaves your house party.

With mask mandates and school closures looming, it's easy to get caught up in the panic. But let's take a step back and remember that we're all in this together. We can do this if everyone just chills out and does what's best for all.

Of course, that's easier said than done. The culture wars are raging, and mask mandates have become a political hot potato. But let's put politics aside for a moment and focus on what really matters: the health and safety of our kids.

School districts are doing their best to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, but it's not easy. Without national guidance, decisions on mitigation measures are up to local leaders in cooperation with health authorities and consultation with the community. And let's face it, superintendents are in a tough spot. They have to balance the health needs of their students with the blowback from politicized parents.

But there is hope on the horizon. The updated COVID-19 vaccines are anticipated to become available by the end of September, and preventives against RSV are expected to roll out in time for this year's season. So hang in there, folks.

As we navigate this new school year, it's important to remember that COVID-19 has been associated with worsening mental health among students of all ages. Social isolation, academic disruption, loss of caregivers, economic hardship, and exposure to violence or abuse are just some of the factors that contribute to this. But fear not, psychologists are working on solutions to help students cope and improve their well-being.

The CDC and other health authorities have issued guidance for COVID-19 prevention strategies in schools and child care programs. These strategies include vaccination, masking, ventilation, testing, and contact tracing. But implementation may vary depending on local conditions, resources, and policies.

Some states have enacted or planned to enact COVID-19 vaccine mandates for students in certain grades or settings, but most have not. California was the first state to announce a vaccine requirement for middle and high school students, but it delayed the mandate until at least July 1, 2023, pending full approval by the FDA of a COVID-19 vaccine for children under 16 years old. Other states have explicitly banned COVID-19 vaccines from being included in school mandates. The decision to require COVID-19 vaccination for school entry rests with state or local authorities.

In conclusion, school is back and so is COVID-19, but we can get through this if we all just chill out and do what's best for everyone. Wash your hands, wear a mask, and stay home if you're feeling sick. And remember - virtual learning has its perks. You can wear pajamas all day!

COVID-19 raises anxiety at start of new school year | The Hill https://thehill.com/homenews/education/4181957-covid-19-raises-anxiety-at-start-of-new-school-year/ 

THE DEFT DIVE

FROM BING AI

COVID and back to school 2023. 

• - The COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with worsening mental health among students of all ages, especially young adults, women, lower-income households, and people with disabilities or health conditions. Some of the factors that contribute to this include social isolation, academic disruption, loss of caregivers, economic hardship, and exposure to violence or abuse. Psychologists are working to develop and disseminate solutions to help students cope and improve their well-being. ¹²³⁴
• - The CDC and other health authorities have issued guidance for COVID-19 prevention strategies in schools and child care programs, such as vaccination, masking, ventilation, testing, and contact tracing. These strategies are based on the best available scientific and epidemiological evidence and are meant to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and maintain safe operations in educational settings. However, the implementation of these strategies may vary depending on local conditions, resources, and policies. ⁵⁶⁷⁸
• - Some states have enacted or planned to enact COVID-19 vaccine mandates for students in certain grades or settings, but most have not. California was the first state to announce a vaccine requirement for middle and high school students, but it delayed the mandate until at least July 1, 2023, pending full approval by the FDA of a COVID-19 vaccine for children under 16 years old. Other states have explicitly banned COVID-19 vaccines from being included in school mandates. The decision to require COVID-19 vaccination for school entry rests with state or local authorities. ⁹ [^10^] ¹¹

Bing, 9/5/2023

• (1) COVID’s back. Who’s most likely to get it again? | Commentary. https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2023/09/04/covids-back-whos-most-likely-to-get-it-again-commentary/.
• (2) COVID-19: Increase In Cases Sparks Concern At Start Of School Year. https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/medical/covid-19-increase-in-cases-sparks-concern-at-start-of-school-year/ar-AA1ggDsK.
• (3) Covid-19 uptick expected following students return to school and Labor Day travel. https://abc11.com/nc-covid-cases-back-to-school-labor-day-travel-wastewater-monitoring/13736059/.
• (4) Post-covid, American children are still missing far too much school. https://www.economist.com/united-states/2023/08/24/post-covid-american-children-are-still-missing-far-too-much-school.
• (5) Tripledemic 2023? Illnesses That Could Surge in the Fall - TODAY. https://www.today.com/health/cold-flu/tripledemic-2023-covid-rsv-flu-rcna96006.
• (6) When do US students go back to school 2023: the most ... - TechRadar. https://www.techradar.com/news/when-do-we-go-back-to-school.
• (7) Covid-19 vaccines will be on the 2023 vaccine schedule, but that ... - CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2022/10/20/health/child-vax-rates-school-mandates/index.html.
• (8) K-12 Guidance 2023-24 School Year - California Department of Public Health. https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/K-12-Guidance-2023-24-School-Year.aspx.
• (9) Dozens of Colleges Still Require COVID Vaccines for Students. https://reason.com/2023/08/22/dozens-of-colleges-still-require-covid-vaccines-for-students/.
• (10) California delays coronavirus vaccine mandate for schools - CNBC. https://www.cnbc.com/2022/04/15/california-delays-coronavirus-vaccine-mandate-for-schools.html.
• (11) California to delay COVID-19 vaccine mandate for students. https://abcnews.go.com/US/california-delay-covid-19-vaccine-mandate-students/story?id=84093350.
• (12) Schools and Childcare Programs | COVID-19 | CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/index.html.
• (13) Operational Guidance for K-12 Schools and Early Care and Education .... https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/k-12-childcare-guidance.html.
• (14) Health and Safety in Our Schools - New York City Public Schools. https://www.schools.nyc.gov/school-life/health-and-wellness/covid-information/health-and-safety-in-our-schools.
• (15) CA Covid-19 School Readiness Hub. https://schools.covid19.ca.gov/.
• (16) StrongSchoolsNC K-12 COVID-19 Testing Program. https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/SchoolTesting.
• (17) Kids’ mental health is in crisis. Here’s what psychologists are doing .... https://www.apa.org/monitor/2023/01/trends-improving-youth-mental-health.
• (18) Mental health and the pandemic: What U.S. surveys have found. https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/03/02/mental-health-and-the-pandemic-what-u-s-surveys-have-found/.
• (19) Part 1 of 5: COVID-19 Impact on College Student Mental Health. https://ccmh.psu.edu/index.php?option=com_dailyplanetblog&view=entry&year=2021&month=02&day=01&id=9:part-1-of-5-covid-19-s-impact-on-college-student-mental-health.
• (20) NIMH » COVID-19 Pandemic Associated With Worse Mental Health and .... https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-news/2023/covid-19-pandemic-associated-with-worse-mental-health-and-accelerated-brain-development-in-adolescents.