LIBRARIANS THE REAL SUPERHEROES IN A MAGA WORLD ARE UNDER ATTACK

 

LIBRARIANS THE REAL SUPERHEROES IN A MAGA WORLD ARE UNDER ATTACK

In a world where knowledge is power and books are the gateways to infinite wisdom, there exists a group of unsung heroes who tirelessly dedicate their lives to the preservation and dissemination of information. They are the librarians, the guardians of public knowledge, and they are under attack. But fear not, dear readers, for this is no ordinary battle. It is a battle of wits, a battle of words, and above all, a battle that will be fought with humor and wit.

The city of Oakland, known for its vibrant culture and progressive values, is home to a group of librarians who have recently found themselves feeling "more unsafe" than ever before. According to an internal report obtained by The Oaklandside, these fearless warriors of literature have been subjected to verbal abuse and threatening interactions. But let's not dwell on the negative, for even in the face of adversity, our librarians remain resolute and unyielding.

Commissioned by the library system in June 2022, the report was conducted by an Oakland-based mediation consultant. Its findings were both enlightening and concerning. Some library staff members considered the abuse they faced as "part of the job". Now, I don't know about you, but if my job description included being insulted and threatened on a regular basis, I would seriously reconsider my career choices. But not our librarians! They have chosen to stand tall, armed with knowledge and armed with humor.

The report also identified a lack of training for employees dealing with patrons experiencing mental health and other crises. Now, I'm no expert, but I would assume that training in psychology and crisis intervention was not part of the librarian job description. And yet, our brave librarians have taken on this responsibility with grace and aplomb. They have become masters of empathy, experts in diffusing tense situations with a well-timed joke or a witty retort.

But it's not just the lack of training that our librarians face. They also need better support from upper management. Imagine fighting battles on multiple fronts - battling against lawmakers seeking to ban books and reduce funding, and fending off far-right extremists who have targeted LGBTQ+ literature and events. It's like being a superhero without a cape or a sidekick. But fear not, dear readers, for our librarians are not alone. They have the support of their fellow book lovers, their loyal patrons, and the power of humor on their side.

Now, let's take a moment to appreciate the irony of this situation. Libraries, the very institutions that are meant to promote free thought and open dialogue, are under attack by those who seek to suppress knowledge and control information. It's like going to a comedy show and demanding that all jokes be censored. It's like going to a buffet and demanding that only one type of cuisine be served. It's like going to a library and demanding that only one perspective be allowed. It's absurd!

But fear not, dear readers, for our librarians are here to save the day. Armed with their encyclopedic knowledge and their quick wit, they are ready to face any challenge that comes their way.

So let us raise our metaphorical glasses to these brave warriors of knowledge, these defenders of free thought. Let us celebrate their resilience, their humor, and their unwavering commitment to the pursuit of truth. And let us remember that in the battle between ignorance and enlightenment, it is our librarians who will always emerge victorious.

Long live the librarians! Long live public knowledge! And long live laughter in the face of adversity!

Oakland librarians feel ‘more unsafe’ than ever, internal report says https://oaklandside.org/2023/09/12/oakland-public-libraries-security-safety-report/?utm_source=newsshowcase&utm_medium=gnews&utm_campaign=CDAqEAgAKgcICjC7yZsLMP_TswMw5e3QAQ&utm_content=rundown 

RESTORATIVE JUSTICE: BECAUSE HUGS ARE BETTER THAN HANDCUFFS

RESTORATIVE JUSTICE

BECAUSE HUGS ARE BETTER THAN HANDCUFFS

Who knew that the solution to ending the school to prison pipeline was as simple as implementing restorative practices? Apparently, the University of Chicago Education Lab did, and they have the data to back it up.

In a recent study, it was found that moving away from suspensions and towards restorative practices has led to a significant reduction in suspensions and arrests for student misconduct. And who benefits the most from this shift? None other than our beloved Black CPS teens.

Yes, you read that right. The same group of students who have historically been targeted by the school to prison pipeline are now reaping the benefits of a more inclusive and understanding approach to discipline.

But what exactly are restorative practices, you may ask? Well, it's simple. Instead of punishing students for their misbehavior, restorative practices aim to help them understand the consequences of their actions and repair any harm that may have been caused.

It's like a time-out, but instead of sitting in a corner and thinking about what you've done, you actually get to talk it out with the people you've affected. And let's be real, who wouldn't want that?

Not only does this approach lead to fewer suspensions and arrests, but it also improves the overall school climate. Students are more likely to feel heard and understood, which in turn leads to a more positive learning environment.

And let's not forget about our elementary school students. The study's authors found that restorative practices were just as effective in these younger grades as they were in high school.

So there you have it folks. The solution to ending the school to prison pipeline isn't more punishment, it's more understanding. Who knew that being nice could actually work?

And if you're still not convinced, just think about all the hilarious conversations that will ensue during these restorative practice sessions. I mean, can you imagine a group of middle schoolers trying to repair harm through humor? The possibilities are endless.

So let's give a round of applause to the University of Chicago Education Lab for proving that sometimes the best solution is also the funniest.

Black CPS teens benefit from restorative practices | WBEZ Chicago https://www.wbez.org/stories/black-cps-teens-benefit-most-from-shift-from-suspensions-toward-restorative-practices/fc68a9bd-ba33-41e5-ba1c-a6fa18752083 

Big Education Ape: EVERYTHING YOU WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT RESTORATIVE JUSTICE BUT WERE AFRAID TO ASK https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/07/everything-you-wanted-to-know-about.html 

Big Education Ape: RAND study shows 'restorative practices' have positive effect on Pittsburgh Public Schools | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2018/10/rand-study-shows-restorative-practices.html 

Big Education Ape: Sowing Empathy and Justice in Schools Through Restorative Practices | NEA Today https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2014/06/sowing-empathy-and-justice-in-schools.html 

FLORIDA'S NEW TEACHER CONDUCT STANDARDS: A BALL OF MAGA CONFUSION

 

FLORIDA'S NEW TEACHER CONDUCT STANDARDS

A BALL OF MAGA CONFUSION 

In a recent move that has left many educators scratching their heads, the state of Florida has introduced a set of new professional conduct standards for teachers. These guidelines include a laundry list of prohibitions that range from the absurd to the downright offensive.

First on the list: don't say gay. Yes, you read that right. Teachers in Florida are now forbidden from even mentioning the word "gay" in their classrooms. Apparently, the state believes that acknowledging the existence of LGBTQ+ people is just too much for our delicate young minds to handle.

But it doesn't stop there. Teachers are also banned from using any nicknames for their students, no matter how endearing they may be. So if you've been calling little Timmy "T-Bone" all year, you better watch out.

And if you thought that was bad, get ready for this: teachers are now required to use the correct pronouns for their students, regardless of their gender identity. That's right, folks. In Florida, acknowledging someone's gender identity is now a punishable offense.

But wait, there's more! Florida teachers are also forbidden from teaching any history that might make white kids feel bad. That means no discussion of slavery, Jim Crow laws, or any other uncomfortable truths about America's past.

And if you thought climate change was a hot-button issue before, just wait until you hear this: teachers in Florida are now banned from teaching about it altogether. Apparently, the state believes that acknowledging the existence of climate change is just too controversial.

But perhaps the most ridiculous prohibition on this list is the ban on anything "woke." That's right, folks. In Florida, being aware of social and political issues is now a punishable offense.

And just in case you thought this couldn't get any more absurd, there's also a ban on Drag Queen Story Hour. Because apparently, reading a book to children while dressed in drag is just too scandalous for Florida's delicate sensibilities.

So what happens if a teacher violates any of these guidelines? According to Christie Gold from Hillsborough school district's HR department and the state's Educational Practices Commission, disciplinary measures could range from warnings to termination. But no penalty guidelines have been attached to the new language, leaving educators uncertain about the consequences of their actions.

The issue is further complicated by lawsuits related to the 2022 Florida law that restricts instruction about gender identity and sexual orientation in schools. Rob Kriete, the president of Hillsborough Classroom Teachers Association, believes that the laws and updated guidelines are part of a campaign to privatize education, making unions more important than ever before.

School district leaders in Florida are struggling to comply with these new education laws regarding gender issues, sex, library books, and race. The rules are vaguely worded, directives keep changing, and guidance from state officials is confusing. This confusion and dysfunction have bred mistrust among educators.

School district officials and educators in Florida are frustrated by the lack of clarity on compliance for topics like book selection, AP psychology, and gender identity lessons. The strained relationships between districts and the Department of Education have made it difficult for teachers to navigate these new guidelines.

The state officials of Florida have introduced a new version of the Principles of Professional Conduct for teachers that includes six new restrictions, adding to the existing laws and rules that govern classroom content. Teachers are becoming increasingly anxious about what they can say in their classrooms, and the penalties for any violations have become much tougher.

In conclusion, Florida's new teacher conduct standards are a ball of MAGA confusion. These guidelines are not only absurd but also offensive to many educators and students. It's time for the state to rethink these restrictions and start focusing on creating an inclusive and welcoming learning environment for all.

Educators: Penalties for violating new conduct guidelines are unclear | WUSF Public Media https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/education/2023-09-13/new-professional-conduct-florida-guidelines-teachers-penalties-breaking-unclear 

Florida teachers face stiffer sanctions over classroom restrictions https://www.tampabay.com/news/education/2023/09/11/florida-teachers-face-stiffer-sanctions-over-classroom-restrictions/ 

Florida’s new edicts on schools keep changing, and locals are confused https://www.tampabay.com/news/education/2023/09/13/floridas-new-edicts-schools-keep-changing-locals-are-confused/ 

Big Education Ape: MAGA MADNESS FLORIDA TEACHERS CAUGHT IN THE CROSSFIRE https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/09/maga-madness-florida-teachers-caught-in.html 

WHEN BILLIONAIRES FUND 'MAGIC' CHARTER SCHOOL RESEARCH

WHEN BILLIONAIRES FUND 'MAGIC' CHARTER SCHOOL RESEARCH 

Ah, charter schools. The beloved darling of the billionaire class. They're like a shiny new toy that the super-rich just can't resist playing with. And why not? They get to feel like they're doing something good for society while also getting to pat themselves on the back for being so darn smart. It's a win-win!

But here's the thing: when billionaires fund research into charter schools, they miraculously always seem to get the exact results they paid for. It's like magic! And boy, is that some well-spent money.

Take, for example, a recent report by the National Education Policy Center. The report details the flaws in research conducted by pro-charter think tanks and academic departments. According to the report, these studies often claim that charters are underfunded compared to their district public school counterparts. But as it turns out, these claims are based on some seriously flawed methodology.

For one thing, these studies often compare individual schools to other individual schools, rather than looking at entire districts as a unit of analysis. This is like comparing apples to oranges, except even less useful. Additionally, these studies often make invalid comparisons of student populations and functions between charters and district public schools. And let's not forget about the unaccounted for charter revenues!

But fear not, dear reader. The National Education Policy Center has provided a handy guide for stakeholders to evaluate the accuracy and transparency of research. Because let's face it, we wouldn't want to make any decisions based on unsound research that could negatively impact district schools and state budgets.

So why do billionaires love charter schools so much? Well, for one thing, it's a way for them to feel like they're making a difference in the world without actually having to pay their fair share in taxes. And let's not forget about the ego boost they get from having their name plastered all over a shiny new charter school building.

But the real reason they love charter schools so much? Because they get to control them. That's right, when you're a billionaire, you get to play school superintendent. And who wouldn't want that kind of power?

Of course, there are some pesky little things like accountability and oversight that get in the way of total control. But hey, that's what all that "magic" research is for, right? To make sure that everything goes exactly according to plan.

So let's raise a glass to all the billionaires out there who are funding "magic" charter school research. Because without them, we might actually have to rely on sound evidence-based research to make decisions about education policy. And where's the fun in that?

Evaluating Research That Alleges Funding Disparities Between Charter and District Schools | National Education Policy Center https://nepc.colorado.edu/publication/funding-disparities 

CURMUDGUCATION: Report: The Flaws In Charter Funding Research https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2023/09/report-flaws-in-charter-funding-research.html 

Big Education Ape: RESEARCH MISCONDUCT: HOW STATE DEFUNDING AND PRIVATIZATION IS MAKING FOOLS OF US ALL https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/08/research-misconduct-how-state-defunding.html