UTAH'S SPECTRUM ACADEMY: ANOTHER CHARTER SCHOOL SCANDAL (NUMBER 1,666,666)

UTAH'S SPECTRUM ACADEMY: ANOTHER CHARTER SCHOOL SCANDAL (NUMBER 1,666,666)

In the latest episode of "Charter School Scandal," we have Utah's Spectrum Academy taking center stage. This charter school for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders has been federally investigated for classroom-related civil rights concerns, and let's just say, it's not looking good for them.

The investigation found that the school violated Section 504 of Title II of the Civil Rights Act by repeatedly using restraint and seclusion practices on its students. Now, I don't know about you, but I thought we left those practices back in the medieval times. Apparently, Spectrum Academy missed the memo.

But wait, it gets better (or worse, depending on how you look at it). The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) found that these practices took time away from students' education. So not only were these kids being subjected to archaic forms of punishment, but they were also missing out on valuable learning time. Talk about a double whammy.

And as if that wasn't bad enough, the school failed to provide compensatory resources to make up for the lost classroom time. So not only were these kids being punished unnecessarily, but they were also being cheated out of their education. Bravo, Spectrum Academy. Bravo.

But fear not, dear readers, justice has been served. The school has agreed to implement significant changes to its policies, procedures, and training requirements. And they've also agreed to provide individual remedies for students who experienced restraint during that time. So I guess that's something.

Now, I know what you're thinking. "This is just one charter school. It can't be that bad." Well, my friend, you couldn't be more wrong. If charter schools aren't stealing public funds, committing fraud, or engaging in corruption, they're abusing kids too. It's like a never-ending cycle of scandal and controversy.

Don't believe me? Check out the Network for Public Education's "Another Day Another Charter Scandal" page. They've even got a sorting feature that allows you to search charter scandals by state and by 12 different categories. It's like a buffet of scandalous behavior.

Look, I'm not saying all charter schools are bad. I'm sure there are some out there that are doing great things for their students. But with so many scandals and controversies surrounding the charter school system, it's hard to keep up.

So to all the charter schools out there, I have a message for you: stop it. Just stop it. Stop stealing public funds, committing fraud, engaging in corruption, and abusing kids. It's really not that hard.

And to Utah's Spectrum Academy, I have another message: get it together. Restraint and seclusion practices have no place in a modern-day classroom. It's time to join the rest of us in the 21st century.

In conclusion, let's hope that this latest scandal serves as a wake-up call for the charter school system as a whole. It's time to clean up your act and start putting the needs of your students first. And if you can't do that, maybe it's time to re-evaluate whether or not you should be in the education business at all.

Read Spectrum Academy documents: What investigators found at Utah charter for kids with autism https://www.sltrib.com/news/education/2023/09/09/read-spectrum-academy-documents/ 

Utah's Spectrum Academy federally investigated for civil rights concerns https://www.abc4.com/news/wasatch-front/utahs-spectrum-academy-federally-investigated-classroom-related-civil-rights-concerns/ 

Charter Scandals - Network For Public Education https://networkforpubliceducation.org/charter-scandals/

GOV. DESANTIS DR LADAPO SAY VACCINES ARE FOR LOSERS: NEVER BE WOKE AGAIN

GOV. DESANTIS DR LADAPO SAY VACCINES ARE FOR LOSERS: NEVER BE WOKE AGAIN

In a recent press conference, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis proudly announced that he has finally found someone dumber than himself. And who might this person be, you ask? None other than his very own state's surgeon general, Dr. Joseph "Kevorkian" Ladapo.

Yes, you read that correctly. The man responsible for the health and well-being of millions of Floridians is being touted by DeSantis as the poster child for stupidity. It's almost as if the governor is trying to outdo himself in the realm of absurdity.

But wait, it gets even better. DeSantis and Ladapo are now encouraging residents to ignore public health advice and avoid new vaccines targeting a resurgence of Covid-19. Because who needs science and logic when you can just wing it and hope for the best, right?

Democratic leaders in Florida are understandably up in arms over the governor's blatant disregard for the safety of his constituents. They've accused him of hypocrisy and warned that Covid-19 deaths are inevitable in the state if people continue to listen to DeSantis and Ladapo's nonsensical advice.

It's hard to imagine how much more bizarre DeSantis's brand of MAGA can get, but somehow he manages to top himself every day. It's almost as if he's playing a game of "how many outrageous things can I say before people stop taking me seriously?"

Well, Governor DeSantis, we hate to break it to you, but we stopped taking you seriously a long time ago. Your constant pandering to the MAGA base has turned you into a caricature of yourself. It's like watching a train wreck in slow motion - you know it's going to end badly, but you can't look away.

So, what's next on the agenda for DeSantis and Ladapo? Perhaps they'll suggest that Floridians start drinking bleach to ward off Covid-19. Or maybe they'll recommend that everyone just hold their breaths until the virus magically disappears.

One thing's for sure - we're all in for a wild ride as long as these two are at the helm. Buckle up, folks. It's going to be a bumpy one.

DeSantis backs Florida surgeon general in urging residents against new Covid vaccines | Florida | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/sep/09/florida-covid-vaccines-desantis-joseph-ladapo 

ARIZONA GOV ACCUSES STATE SUP OF PUBLIC ED OF PLAYING FAVORITES WITH FEDERAL FUNDS

ARIZONA GOV ACCUSES STATE SUP  OF PUBLIC ED OF PLAYING FAVORITES WITH FEDERAL FUNDS

In a recent feud between Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs and Superintendent of Public Education Tom Horne, the topic of discussion is federal school funding. Hobbs is accusing Horne of withholding up to $27.5 million in funding, while Horne is accusing Hobbs of putting politics before pupils. It's a classic case of he said, she said, but with a humorous twist.

Hobbs has been pushing for the Department of Education to transfer unobligated Emergency Assistance to Non-Public Schools funds from the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act. In other words, she wants private schools to receive more funding than public schools. Hobbs is known for her controversial stance on defunding public schools, and it seems she's not backing down anytime soon.

But Horne is not having it. He's standing up for all of Arizona's kids, not just those who attend private schools. He's saying "up yours, Hobbs" and insisting that public money should go to public schools. It's a battle of epic proportions, and it's all over federal COVID-19-related funding.

Hobbs is angry because Horne's refusal to allocate more funding to private schools doesn't align with the MAGA plan to defund public schools. She's been a vocal supporter of this plan, which aims to redirect public school funding to private schools. But Horne is standing his ground and saying that public money should stay in public schools.

The situation has become so heated that Hobbs has accused Horne of lying and not following federal law. But Horne is firing back, accusing Hobbs of playing politics and not putting the needs of Arizona's children first.

It's a classic case of politicians putting their own interests ahead of the people they were elected to serve. But in this case, it's also pretty funny. The idea of defunding public schools in favor of private schools is ridiculous, and the fact that this is even a debate is laughable.

At the end of the day, it's clear that Horne is the hero we need right now. He's standing up for all of Arizona's kids, not just those who attend private schools. And while Hobbs may be angry, she can't deny that Horne is doing what's best for the state.

So let's raise a glass to Tom Horne, the superintendent who isn't afraid to say "up yours, Hobbs" and fight for what's right. We may not know what the future holds for Arizona's education system, but at least we can laugh about it in the meantime.

Arizona Gov. Hobbs says state supt. withholding school funds https://www.azfamily.com/2023/09/08/gov-hobbs-says-arizona-state-supt-horne-holding-federal-school-funds-hostage/ 

Groups upset over losing COVID money for tutoring program - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gfy1-1u-q-U 

TOP BANANA: TOP READS THIS WEEK 9-9-23 #tbats #edchat #K12 #learning #edtech

TOP BANANA: TOP READS THIS WEEK 9-9-23

Big Education Ape: TOP BANANA: TOP READS THIS WEEK 9-2-23 #tbats #edchat #K12 #learning #edtech http://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/09/top-banana-top-reads-this-week-9-2-23.html

Big Education Ape: ONCE UPON A TIME IN AMERICA THE 1776 FAIRY TALE CURRICULUM TAKES OVER SCHOOLS http://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/09/once-upon-time-in-america-1776-fairy.html

Big Education Ape: HOPE RETURNS TO SAC CITY: STUDENTS PARENTS TEACHERS AND THE COMMUNITY REJOICE, BILLIONAIRE PRIVATIZERS WEEP http://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/09/hope-returns-to-sac-city-students.html

Big Education Ape: OKLAHOMA APPROVES PRAGERU (PU) FOR SCHOOLS: WILL REPLACE HISTORY BOOKS WITH MAGA COLORING BOOKS http://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/09/oklahoma-approves-prageru-pu-for.html

Big Education Ape: WHITE CHRISTIAN NATIONALIST: THE AVENGERS OF IGNORANCE http://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/09/white-christian-nationalist-avengers-of.html

Big Education Ape: THE END IS NEAR SELL YOUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS STOCK http://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/09/the-end-is-near-sell-your-public.html

Big Education Ape: BACK TO SCHOOL COVID AND CULTURE WARS: THE NEW NORMAL OR THE END OF CIVILIZATION AS WE KNOW IT http://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/09/back-to-school-covid-and-culture-wars.html

Big Education Ape: PEP TALK: JUST ANOTHER BULLSHIT VOUCHER SCHEME http://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/09/pep-talk-just-another-bullshit-voucher.html

Big Education Ape: TEACHER SHORTAGE AND HEAT WAVE: TWO KIDS IN EVERY POT http://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/09/teacher-shortage-and-heat-wave-two-kids.html

Big Education Ape: CALIFORNIA SB 596 AKA STFU & END THE THREATS AND VIOLENCE MOMS FOR LIBERTY BILL http://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/09/california-sb-596-aka-stfu-end-threats.html

OTHER GREAT READS THIS WEEK FROM THE BIG EDUCATION APE

Big Education Ape: FIRE IN PARADISE: HOW YOU CAN HELP THE PEOPLE OF MAUI #mauihawaii #maui #mauifire #fire #devastation #prayers https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/08/fire-in-paradise-how-you-can-help.html

YESTERDAY

READ FULL TEXT OF TRUMP FULTON COUNTY SPECIAL GRAND JURY REPORT

by Mike Simpson / 22h

The full report on Georgia election interference was released following an indictment in the case last month. The report from a special grand jury in Georgia that recommended charges in the Fulton County district attorney's 2020 election interference probe was released on Friday. A judge previously ruled that only part of the report could be released in February. The full report is now being rel

MISSING IN ACTION STUDENTS TAKE PLAYING HOOKY TO A WHOLE NEW LEVEL

by Mike Simpson / 22h

Attention students! Are you tired of waking up early and dragging yourself to school every day? Well, I have some good news for you - showing up is only half the battle! Yes, you read that right. You can show up to school and still not be present. Confused? Let me explain. According to recent studies, chronic absenteeism among K-12 students in California has reached an all-time high of 30%. That

SEP 07

ONCE UPON A TIME IN AMERICA THE 1776 FAIRY TALE CURRICULUM TAKES OVER SCHOOLS

by Mike Simpson / 1d

Are you tired of your kids learning about the "real" America, with all its flaws and complexities? Do you want them to believe in a simpler, more patriotic version of our nation's past? Look no further than the 1776 Fairytale Curriculum! Developed by Hillsdale College, a private Christian school known for its conservative values, this curriculum is the perfect antidote to critical thinking and h

ROCKLIN UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT PUTTING THE ASS IN ABSURDITY

California sues school district over transgen

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by Mike Simpson / 1d

In a move that has left many scratching their heads, right wing school boards in California have passed regulations that require teachers to out LGBTQ+ students. Yes, you read that right. The Rocklin Unified School District has approved a policy that would require teachers to inform parents if a student asks to identify as a different gender. Because apparently, nothing says "I care about my stu

STEPH AND AYESHA CURRY: $50 MILLION SLAM DUNK FOR OAKLAND UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT #WeAreOUSD #EatLearnPlay

Currys donate $50M to Oakland schools

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by Mike Simpson / 2d

STEPH AND AYESHA CURRY: $50 MILLION SLAM DUNK FOR OAKLAND UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT In a world full of slam dunks and three-pointers, NBA superstar Steph Curry and his wife Ayesha have proven that their off-court game is just as impressive. The power couple recently announced their jaw-dropping donation of $50 million to the Oakland Unified School District (OUSD), leaving fans and educators alike i

SEP 06

OKLAHOMA APPROVES PRAGERU (PU) FOR SCHOOLS: WILL REPLACE HISTORY BOOKS WITH MAGA COLORING BOOKS

PragerU partners with Oklahoma schools

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by Mike Simpson / 2d

OKLAHOMA APPROVES PRAGERU (PU) FOR SCHOOLS WILL REPLACE HISTORY BOOKS WITH MAGA COLORING BOOKS Well, well, well, it seems like Oklahoma wants to give Florida a run for its money in the race to destroy public education! Meet Ryan Rasputin Walters, the Mad MAGA Monk of Oklahoma Education. He's on a mission to out-stupid Florida's dumbass Governor DeSantis by destroying Oklahoma's schools faster tha

PEP TALK: JUST ANOTHER BULLSHIT VOUCHER SCHEME

Florida school vouchers expand spending

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by Mike Simpson / 2d

Attention all Floridians! Have you heard of the Personalized Education Program (PEP)? No, it's not a new workout routine or a fancy diet plan. It's a voucher program that lets homeschooling parents use taxpayer-funded vouchers to buy whatever they want, from theme park tickets to big-screen TVs. Because nothing says "education" like a day at Disney World or binge-watching Netflix. But wait, ther

TEACHER SHORTAGE AND HEAT WAVE: TWO KIDS IN EVERY POT

Heat wave shuts down schools

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by Mike Simpson / 2d

TEACHER SHORTAGE AND HEAT WAVE TWO KIDS IN EVERY POT Once upon a time, in a land not so far away, a late-season heat wave descended upon the Midwest and northeastern United States. This scorching phenomenon caused school closings and early dismissals, leaving educators and students feeling like they were trapped in a Grimm's fairy tale gone wrong. As temperatures soared 15 to 25 degrees Fahrenhei

SEP 05

THE END IS NEAR SELL YOUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS STOCK

school Public Deathbed?

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by Mike Simpson / 3d

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 t

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

by Mike Simpson / 3d

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 ea

SEP 04

WHITE CHRISTIAN NATIONALIST: THE AVENGERS OF IGNORANCE

by Mike Simpson / 4d

WHITE CHRISTIAN NATIONALIST: THE AVENGERS OF IGNORANCE Attention all readers! Get ready for a wild ride as we delve into the world of churches and political organizations. Buckle up, because we're about to take a hilarious look at the separation of church and state, 501(c)(3) IRS regulations for non-profits (not political organizations), the MAGA insurrection at the Capitol, white Christian natio

UNIONS: THE ULTIMATE WINGMAN FOR A FAIRER SOCIETY!!

by Mike Simpson / 4d

UNIONS: THE ULTIMATE WINGMAN FOR A FAIRER SOCIETY! David Hecker, former President of AFT Michigan, has a message for unions: be more than just a safety net for workers. In a recent article for the Detroit Free Press, Hecker argues that unions must have a "transformational vision" for how they engage with their members and the public. But what does that mean? And more importantly, how can unions m

AFT LABOR DAY MESSAGE FROM RANDI

by Mike Simpson / 4d

This message was sent as an email to AFT members and allies . This Labor Day, Americans are giving unions a thumbs-up. It’s not just the hot labor summer, it’s the union advantage — workers who join together in unions have higher pay, better benefits, safer workplaces and more voice on the job than nonunion workers. Those effects are life-changing for workers and their families, but as we know,

Labor Day 2023 Quotes, History, Sayings and Solidarity

by Mike Simpson / 4d

Happy Labor Day! Monday, September 4 SINGING THE INTERNATIONALE ON LABOR DAY. Singing the Internationale on Labor Day. – Fred Klonsky - https://wp.me/p4C3g-oWy via @fklonsky LABOR DAY: WHAT IT MEANS Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to

SEP 03

HOPE RETURNS TO SAC CITY: STUDENTS PARENTS TEACHERS AND THE COMMUNITY REJOICE, BILLIONAIRE PRIVATIZERS WEEP

by Mike Simpson / 5d

HOPE RETURNS TO SAC CITY STUDENTS PARENTS TEACHERS AND THE COMMUNITY REJOICE, BILLIONAIRE PRIVATIZERS WEEP After years of billionaires privatizing fueled disruption and broad academy trained superintendents, there is finally hope in the air at Sac City Schools. The new labor agreements signal the new school board's willingness to work with our teachers and staff to make our schools work for the s

TO USE CHATGPT OR NOT TO USE CHATGPT: THAT IS THE QUESTION...CHATGPT CAN ANSWER EITHER WAY

by Mike Simpson / 5d

TO USE CHATGPT OR NOT TO USE CHATGPT: THAT IS THE QUESTION... CHATGPT CAN ANSWER EITHER WAY As a teacher, have you ever wished for a virtual assistant to help you with grading papers or answering student questions? Well, OpenAI has heard your prayers and is bringing ChatGPT to classrooms near you! But before you jump on the bandwagon, let's take a closer look at this AI tool and whether it's wort

CALIFORNIA SB 596 AKA STFU & END THE THREATS AND VIOLENCE MOMS FOR LIBERTY BILL

by Mike Simpson / 5d

Attention all parents! Are you tired of being threatened and all the violence at school board meetings? Well, fear not! California's SB 596, also known as the STFU & End the Threats and Violence Moms for Liberty legislation, is here to save the day. But will it really put an end to disruptive behavior at school events or just be another way for the board to blow off parents with "issues"? Let's

SEP 02

UNION BUSTERS GET THEIR COMEUPPANCE: BLRB RULING SENDS THEM BACKING

by Mike Simpson / 6d

In honor of Labor Day, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has gifted us with a new ruling that promises to make unionization easier for firms that break the law while resisting organizing campaigns. Finally, a win for the little guy! Or is it? The ruling, issued on August 25, 2023, in the case of Cemex Construction Materials Pacific, LLC, has sparked controversy and confusion among both e

DUHSANTIS OK SCHOOL VOUCHER BONUS BUCKS FOR BIG SCREEN TVS, KAYAKS, DISNEY TICKETS AND MUCH, MUCH MORE

Florida school vouchers expand spending

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by Mike Simpson / 6d

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has done it again! He's out-stupided Trump and the other Trump wannabes by approving school voucher bonus bucks for Disney tickets, kayaks, and big-screen TVs. Who needs textbooks and pencils when you can have a paddleboard, am I right? According to a report by Step up for Students, Florida's "school choice" vouchers, which are funded by taxpayers, are being used to

TOP BANANA: TOP READS THIS WEEK 9-2-23 #tbats #edchat #K12 #learning #edtech

by Mike Simpson / 7d

TOP BANANA: TOP READS THIS WEEK 9-2-23 Big Education Ape: ROCKLIN SCHOOL BOARD PRES CALLS ON WHITE JESUS TO SAVE THE DISTRICT: FILM AT 11 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/08/rocklin-school-board-pres-calls-on.html Big Education Ape: TOP BANANA: TOP READS THIS WEEK 8-26-23 #tbats #edchat #K12 #learning #edtech #MagaMugshot https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/08/top-banana-top-reads-