Latest News and Comment from Education

Thursday, September 14, 2023

JULIE HUPP ROCKLIN USD BOARD PRES: JESUS SAVES TEACHERS UNION DOESN'T

 

JULIE HUPP ROCKLIN USD BOARD PRES. JESUS SAVES TEACHERS UNION DOESN'T

Julie Hupp, Rocklin USD Board President and Super Christian Bible Thumping MAGA Mama, has been causing quite a stir in the education community lately. With her fervent prayers to White Jesus and her disdain for the teachers union, she's been making headlines for all the wrong reasons.

But let's take a step back and get to know Julie a little better. She's a third-grade teacher at Loomis Grammar School, where she's been teaching for three years. She's also a mother of seven, grandmother of several, and wife to a lucky man. And let's not forget her most important role: trustee of the Rocklin Unified School District board, where she was elected as president in 2020.

Now, Julie is no stranger to controversy. In fact, she seems to thrive on it. In August 2023, she posted a message on her campaign Facebook page, calling for "Christ centered, family focused parents" to join the district's advisory committees. She claimed that the district was facing an onslaught of curriculum that was "anti-God, anti-American, and anti-family," and that they needed as many "Christ centered, family focused parents" as they could get to be involved in the process.

As you can imagine, this didn't sit well with everyone. Some parents, students, and civil rights groups accused Julie of violating the separation of church and state and discriminating against students of other faiths or no faith. They argued that public schools should not endorse or favor any religion over another and that Julie's message was inappropriate and divisive.

But Julie didn't back down. She responded to the criticism by posting another message on her Facebook page, saying that she welcomed "all faiths and child-loving people" to join the advisory committees. She claimed that she was "proud of the diversity of our community" and that she wasn't trying to impose her beliefs on anyone, but rather to protect the rights of parents to have a say in their children's education.

The controversy over Julie's post came amid another dispute over the RUSD board's decision to adopt a policy that requires teachers and staff to notify parents if their children request to be identified as anything other than their biological sex. The policy was opposed by many transgender students, LGBTQ advocates, and civil liberties groups, who said that it violated the privacy and safety of transgender and gender-nonconforming youth.

But Julie and her supporters saw things differently. They argued that parents should be informed and involved in their children's gender identity issues and that the policy respected parental rights and religious values.

In leaked audio, Julie criticized the California Teachers Association (CTA) and called for more Christians to be involved in the union. She claimed that when teachers are confronted by parents to address books they deem inappropriate, their first move is to go to the union for protection. She explained that a genuine faith-based site representative would sympathize with parents who disagree with content they deem inappropriate.

Julie called for more faith-based and family-centered values to be represented in the school system. But with the CTA presiding over 310,000 members, it remains to be seen how much sway Julie will have.

So there you have it: Julie Hupp, Rocklin USD Board President and Super Christian Bible Thumping MAGA Mama. Love her or hate her, you can't deny that she's making waves in the education community. And who knows? Maybe one day we'll all be praying to White Jesus in every classroom.

California school board president rips state's teachers union, calls for 'more faith-based site reps' | Fox News https://www.foxnews.com/media/california-school-board-president-states-teachers-union-calls-more-faith-based-site-reps 

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 



THE DEFT DIVE


FROM BING AI

Here is some information about Julie Leavens Hupp, the president of the Rocklin Unified School District board, and the controversy surrounding her:

  • - Julie Leavens Hupp is a teacher at Loomis Grammar School, where she has taught third grade for three years⁶. She has seven children, several grandchildren, and a husband⁶. She is also a trustee of the Rocklin Unified School District (RUSD) board, and was elected as its president in 2020⁷.
  • - In August 2023, Hupp posted a message on her campaign Facebook page, calling for "Christ centered, family focused parents" to join the district's advisory committees, which help select school curricula¹². She said that the district was facing "an onslaught of curriculum that is anti-God, anti-American, and anti-family" and that "we need as many Christ centered, family focused parents as we can get to be involved in this process" ⁵.
  • - Hupp's post sparked backlash from some parents, students, and civil rights groups, who accused her of violating the separation of church and state and discriminating against students of other faiths or no faith¹²³⁴. They argued that public schools should not endorse or favor any religion over another, and that Hupp's message was inappropriate and divisive¹²³⁴.
  • - Hupp responded to the criticism by posting another message on her Facebook page, saying that she welcomed "all faiths and child-loving people" to join the advisory committees, and that she was "proud of the diversity of our community" ⁵. She also said that she was not trying to impose her beliefs on anyone, but rather to protect the rights of parents to have a say in their children's education⁵.
  • - The controversy over Hupp's post came amid another dispute over the RUSD board's decision to adopt a policy that requires teachers and staff to notify parents if their children request to be identified as anything other than their biological sex⁹ [^10^] ¹¹. The policy, which was passed by a 4-1 vote in September 2023, was opposed by many transgender students, LGBTQ advocates, and civil liberties groups, who said that it violated the privacy and safety of transgender and gender-nonconforming youth⁹ [^10^] ¹¹. The policy was also challenged by California Attorney General Rob Bonta, who filed a lawsuit against another school district with a similar policy and said that he would not tolerate any policy that "perpetuates discrimination, harassment, or exclusion within our educational institutions" ¹¹.
  • - The RUSD board's decision to adopt the policy was supported by some conservative Christians and other parents, who said that it respected parental rights and religious values⁹ [^10^] ¹¹. They argued that parents should be informed and involved in their children's gender identity issues, and that the policy did not prevent students from expressing themselves or accessing support services⁹ [^10^] ¹¹.

Bing, 9/14/2023

  • (1) Hello parents and families! – Julie Leavens-Hupp – Loomis Grammar School. https://loomisgrammar.loomis-usd.k12.ca.us/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=128665&type=u&pREC_ID=525974.
  • (2) Julie Leavens Hupp - Rocklin School Board Trustee - Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/JulieRUSD/posts/159534165863373/.
  • (3) Rocklin school board president faces controversy over calls for .... https://www.cbsnews.com/sacramento/news/rocklin-school-board-president-faces-controversy-over-calls-for-religion-in-curriculum/.
  • (4) Rocklin school board president faces controversy over calls for .... https://abc17news.com/cnn-regional/2023/08/28/rocklin-school-board-president-faces-controversy-over-calls-for-religion-in-curriculum/.
  • (5) Julie Leavens Hupp - Rocklin School Board Trustee - Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/JulieRUSD/.
  • (6) California school district president sparks controversy - KYMA. https://kyma.com/news/california-news/2023/08/28/california-school-district-president-sparks-controversy/.
  • (7) Rocklin school board president calls for Christ in education | The .... https://www.sacbee.com/opinion/op-ed/article278757329.html.
  • (8) Rocklin Unified School District votes to approve policy requiring teachers to notify parents of child's transgender identity. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/rocklin-unified-school-district-votes-to-approve-policy-requiring-teachers-to-notify-parents-of-childs-transgender-identity/ar-AA1gmruG.
  • (9) Rocklin school officials approve divisive transgender identity policy; AG Bonta slams decision. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/rocklin-school-officials-approve-divisive-transgender-identity-policy-ag-bonta-slams-decision/ar-AA1gmpVE.
  • (10) Rocklin school board passes parental notification policy after protest, hours of public comment. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/rocklin-school-board-passes-parental-notification-policy-after-protest-hours-of-public-comment/ar-AA1golPE.
  • (11) California school board president condemned for asking 'Christ ... - WHAM. https://13wham.com/news/nation-world/california-school-board-president-condemned-for-asking-christ-centered-parents-to-join-committees-rocklin-unified-school-district-julie-leavens-hupp-trustee-advisory-curriculum.
  • (12) Rocklin Unified School District - Home. https://www.rocklinusd.org/.
  • (13) What's next for Rocklin Unified's transgender notification policy?. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/whats-next-for-rocklin-unifieds-transgender-notification-policy/ar-AA1gpfHr.
  • (14) Rocklin Unified School District Board Policy. https://rhs.rocklinusd.org/subsites/Yearbook/documents/BoardPolicies.pdf.
  • (15) Teaching About Religion - California Teachers Association. https://www.cta.org/educator/posts/teaching-about-religion.
  • (16) Religion in the Public Schools | Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2019/10/03/religion-in-the-public-schools-2019-update/.
  • (17) California Charter Schools – What the Law Says Pertaining to Religious .... https://fpmca.org/california-chart-schools-what-the-law-says-pertaining-to-religious-instruction/.
  • (18) SOCIAL SCIENCE FRAMEWORK - California Department of Education. https://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/hs/cf/documents/hssappendixf.pdf.
  • (19) Laws & Regulations - Resources (CA Dept of Education). https://www.cde.ca.gov/re/lr/.



BUTTERFLY PAVILIONS EVERYWHERE FEAR FOR THEIR LIVES AS MAGA MADNESS SPREADS

BUTTERFLY PAVILIONS EVERYWHERE FEAR FOR THEIR LIVES AS MAGA MADNESS SPREADS

National Hispanic Heritage Month is here, and what better way to celebrate than with some good ol' MAGA madness? Yes, you heard that right. In the latest episode of "As the Trump World Turns," U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen has agreed with Texas and eight other states suing to stop the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. And what's the best way to commemorate this occasion? By spraying bug spray in the butterfly pavilion, of course! Because nothing says "I don't like immigrants" like killing innocent butterflies.

But why butterflies, you ask? Well, apparently, they are a symbol that represents the DACA kids' struggle. You know, because just like butterflies, they too have undergone a metamorphosis. They came to this country as caterpillars, and now they are beautiful, resilient, and contributing members of society. But unlike butterflies, they don't have wings to fly away from their problems. Instead, they have to fight tooth and nail to stay in this country that they call home.

Now, I know what you're thinking. "But wait, isn't DACA a good thing? Doesn't it protect young immigrants from deportation and allow them to work and study in the U.S.?" Well, yes, it does. But who needs logic and reason when you can have fear-mongering and xenophobia?

In all seriousness, though, the DACA program has been a lifeline for hundreds of thousands of young immigrants who were brought to this country as children. It has allowed them to pursue their dreams, contribute to their communities, and live without fear of being deported to a country they barely know. But despite its many benefits, DACA has faced numerous legal challenges and political uncertainty.

The recent ruling by Judge Hanen is just the latest chapter in this saga. And while it may not spell the end of the program just yet, it does raise some serious questions about its future. Will the Supreme Court uphold DACA once again? Will Congress finally pass comprehensive immigration reform? Or will we continue to live in a world where butterflies are seen as a threat?

Only time will tell. But in the meantime, let's all take a moment to appreciate the beauty and resilience of these winged creatures. And maybe lay off the bug spray for a while. After all, we wouldn't want to accidentally kill any Dreamers in the process.

As for the fate of DACA, well, that remains to be seen. But one thing's for sure: as long as there are butterflies out there, there will always be someone willing to fight them. So keep your eyes peeled, America. The bug spray-wielding vigilante may be coming to a park near you.

Federal judge again declares that DACA is illegal : NPR https://www.npr.org/2023/09/14/1199428038/federal-judge-again-declares-that-daca-is-illegal 


THE DEFT DIVE


FROM BING AI

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, is a policy that grants temporary protection from deportation and work authorization to certain undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as children. It was created by the Obama administration in 2012 and has since benefited over 800,000 young people, known as Dreamers[^10^]. However, DACA does not provide a pathway to citizenship or permanent legal status, and it faces legal challenges and political uncertainty.

DACA has had positive impacts on the lives of its recipients and the U.S. economy. According to various studies, DACA has enabled Dreamers to pursue higher education, find better jobs, increase their earnings, access health insurance, establish credit, buy cars and homes, and contribute to tax revenues¹¹¹²¹⁴. DACA has also improved the mental health and well-being of its beneficiaries and their families[^10^].

However, DACA also has limitations and challenges. DACA recipients still face barriers to accessing federal financial aid, in-state tuition, and professional licenses in some states¹³¹⁴. They also live with the fear of losing their status and being separated from their loved ones, as the Trump administration attempted to end the program in 2017 and a federal court ruled it illegal in 2021[^10^] ¹¹. The Supreme Court is currently reviewing the legality of DACA, and its future depends on the outcome of the case and the actions of Congress[^10^].

DACA is a complex and controversial issue that affects millions of people in the United States. It offers hope and opportunity for many young immigrants, but it also leaves them in a precarious and temporary situation. 

Bing, 9/14/2023

  • (1) Study tracks DACA’s benefits, limitations for undocumented. https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2019/11/study-tracks-dacas-benefits-limitations-for-undocumented/.
  • (2) DACA at Year Three: Challenges and Opportunities in Accessing Higher .... https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/research/daca-year-three-challenges-and-opportunities-accessing-higher-education-and-employment.
  • (3) Economic Benefits of the DACA Program | Davis & Associates. https://gldlaw.com/economic-benefits-daca-program/.
  • (4) Challenges and Opportunities Facing DACA Recipients. https://www.boundless.com/research/challenges-and-opportunities-facing-daca-recipients/.
  • (5) How DACA is Impacting the Lives of Those Who are Now DACAmented. https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/research/how-daca-impacting-lives-those-who-are-now-dacamented.
  • (6) Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). https://www.uscis.gov/DACA.
  • (7) Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) | USAGov. https://www.usa.gov/daca.
  • (8) Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA): An Overview. https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/research/deferred-action-childhood-arrivals-daca-overview.
  • (9) Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deferred_Action_for_Childhood_Arrivals.
  • (10) What is the history and current status of DACA?. https://www.carecen-la.org/what_is_the_history_and_current_status_of_daca.
  • (11) DACA/DAPA | American Immigration Council. https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/topics/daca-dapa.
  • (12) DACA News & Updates 2023 | USAHello. https://usahello.org/immigration/daca-news/.
  • (13) DACA program application requirements in 2023 | Curbelo Law. https://curbelolaw.com/daca-application-requirements/.
  • (14) Guide to the DACA Application Process | BestColleges. https://www.bestcolleges.com/resources/undocumented-students/daca-application-guide/.
  • (15) Getty Images. https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/photo/deferred-action-fo-childhood-arrivals-on-page-with-royalty-free-image/1045792266.


FELIZ HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH: VIVA LA CULTURA

FELIZ HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

 VIVA LA CULTURA

National Hispanic Heritage Month is here, and it's time to celebrate the incredible culture and contributions of our Hispanic friends! So grab your sombrero and get ready for a fiesta of fun facts and witty observations.

First off, did you know that there are a whopping 62.1 million people of Hispanic origin in the United States? That's like a whole lot of tacos! And get this, they make up 18.7% of the nation's total population. That's a spicy statistic right there!

But wait, it gets even better. The Hispanic population grew by a whopping 23% from 2010 to 2020. It's like they're multiplying faster than churros at a county fair! And guess where the fastest growth was? In the South, y'all! The number of Hispanics in the South increased by 33%. Looks like they've got a thing for sweet tea and southern hospitality.

Now let's talk about diversity, because the Hispanic population is as diverse as a salsa bar. We're talking about people from over 20 different countries or regions represented in the 2020 Census. That's more flavors than Ben & Jerry's ice cream! The largest groups were Mexicans, Puerto Ricans, Cubans, and Salvadorans. They're like a Latin United Nations, bringing all the flavor to the party!

And did you know that Hispanics are young at heart? Their median age in 2020 was 29.8 years, compared to 38.4 years for the total population. They're practically aging in reverse, like Benjamin Button but with better dance moves. And speaking of dance moves, have you seen their salsa skills? It's like they were born with rhythm in their blood.

But it's not just about dancing and having a good time. Hispanics also know how to make their voices heard. In the November 2020 election, 38.8% of eligible Hispanic voters cast their ballot. That's a 10 percentage point increase from the previous election. Looks like they're not just bringing the salsa, but also making sure their voices are heard in the political arena.

Now let's talk business, because Hispanics are not just here to party. According to the 2019 American Community Survey, there were 4.7 million Hispanic-owned businesses in the United States. That's a whole lot of entrepreneurship and spicy flavors hitting the market! And get this, these businesses generated a whopping $800 billion in annual revenue. That's enough guacamole to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool!

But it's not just about business success. Hispanics are also rocking it in education and healthcare. About 19% of them have a bachelor's degree or higher. They're like the scholars of salsa! And 17% of Hispanics work in healthcare and social assistance occupations. They're not just bringing the flavor, but also taking care of our health. Talk about multi-talented!

Now let's talk money, because we all want to know who's bringing home the bacon. The median household income for Hispanics is $56,113. That's enough to buy a whole lot of tacos and salsa! And the poverty rate is 15.7%. They're not just spicing up our lives, but also making sure they're financially secure.

So there you have it, folks. National Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the incredible culture and contributions of our Hispanic friends. They're diverse, young at heart, politically engaged, entrepreneurial, educated, and financially successful. They're like a piñata filled with awesomeness!

So let's raise our margaritas and toast to our Hispanic amigos and amigas. Here's to their spicy flavors, their vibrant culture, and their incredible contributions to our nation. ¡Salud!

National Hispanic Heritage Month Explained Kids News Article https://www.dogonews.com/2023/9/13/national-hispanic-heritage-month-explained 

How Hispanic Heritage Month Became a Thing https://salud-america.org/how-hispanic-heritage-month-became-a-thing/ 

Austin's vibrant tribute to Hispanic Heritage Month: From Mexico's Independence Day to a month-long cultural celebration | KEYE https://cbsaustin.com/news/local/austins-vibrant-tribute-to-hispanic-heritage-month-from-mexicos-independence-day-to-a-month-long-cultural-celebration 



THE DEFT DIVE


FROM BING AI

National Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the culture and contributions of Americans who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico, Central America, South America and the Spanish-speaking nations of the Caribbean. Here are some statistics that highlight the diversity and achievements of this population group:

  • - According to the 2020 Census, there were **62.1 million** people of Hispanic origin in the United States as of April 1, 2020, making up **18.7%** of the nation's total population¹. This was an increase of **23%** from the 2010 Census, when there were **50.5 million** Hispanics².
  • - The Hispanic population grew in every region of the country between 2010 and 2020, but the fastest growth was in the South, where the number of Hispanics increased by **33%**, from **18.8 million** to **25 million**¹. The states with the largest Hispanic populations in 2020 were California (**15.6 million**), Texas (**11.5 million**), Florida (**5.8 million**) and New York (**3.8 million**)¹.
  • - The Hispanic population was also very diverse in terms of origin, with people from more than **20 different countries or regions** represented in the 2020 Census³. The largest groups were Mexicans (**36.6 million**), Puerto Ricans (**5.9 million**), Cubans (**2.3 million**) and Salvadorans (**2.2 million**)³.
  • - The Hispanic population was also very young, with a median age of **29.8 years** in 2020, compared to **38.4 years** for the total population¹. About **25.7%** of Hispanics were under 18 years old, and only **7%** were 65 years or older¹.
  • - The Hispanic population had a high level of civic engagement, with **38.8%** of eligible voters casting a ballot in the November 2020 election⁴. This was an increase of **10 percentage points** from the November 2016 election, when **28.6%** of eligible Hispanic voters voted⁴.
  • - The Hispanic population also made significant contributions to the economy, education, health care and other sectors of society. According to the 2019 American Community Survey, there were **4.7 million** Hispanic-owned businesses in the United States, generating **$800 billion** in annual revenue⁵. About **19%** of Hispanics had a bachelor's degree or higher, and **17%** worked in health care and social assistance occupations⁵. The median household income for Hispanics was **$56,113**, and the poverty rate was **15.7%**⁵.

Bing, 9/14/2023

  • (1) Hispanic Heritage Month: 2023 - Census.gov. https://www.census.gov/newsroom/facts-for-features/2023/hispanic-heritage-month.html.
  • (2) Hispanic Heritage Month 2021 - Census.gov. https://www.census.gov/newsroom/facts-for-features/2021/hispanic-heritage-month.html.
  • (3) National Hispanic Heritage Month: Fact Sheet - CRS Reports. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R44191.
  • (4) Honoring Hispanic Heritage and Celebrating Fall Fun With Census Bureau. https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/sis/about/newsroom/sis-newsletters/september-2023.html.
  • (5) National Hispanic Heritage Month: Sept. 15-Oct. 15, 2023 - Census.gov. https://www.census.gov/newsroom/stories/hispanic-heritage-month.html.
  • (6) Hispanic Heritage Month: 2023 - Census.gov. https://www.census.gov/newsroom/facts-for-features/2023/hispanic-heritage-month.html.


INEQUITY IN EDUCATION A PROBLEM SO FUNNY IT'S SAD

INEQUITY IN EDUCATION

A PROBLEM SO FUNNY IT'S SAD

Ah, educational equity. The elusive yet crucial goal of our education system. We all know that every student deserves a fair shot, but how do we make that a reality? Well, according to the Equity in Education Dashboard, we're not doing so hot. There are disparities based on race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and more. But fear not, my fellow educators! I have a solution that could, maybe, hopefully work.

First off, let's talk about professional development. We're spending over $20 billion annually on it, yet we're not measuring its impact? That's like going to the gym every day and not checking if you're actually getting stronger. It's time to hold our professional development accountable. We need metrics and evidence to ensure that our training is actually making a difference.

Now, I know what you're thinking. How do we measure the impact of professional development? Well, I have a brilliant idea. We'll call it the "Dancing Teacher Test." Here's how it works: after every professional development session, the teachers must perform a choreographed dance routine in front of their students. If the students are impressed and give a standing ovation, then the professional development was a success! If the students are confused and ask why their teacher is doing the Macarena, then it's back to the drawing board.

But wait, there's more! We can't just rely on professional development to solve all of our equity problems. We need to build better pipelines for recruiting teachers of color and create workplace cultures that encourage them to stay. And I have just the solution for that too: mandatory dance parties.

Every Friday afternoon, all teachers must gather in the staff lounge for a dance party. We'll play some upbeat music, break out the disco ball, and have some fun. This will create a positive and inclusive workplace culture that encourages teachers of color to stay and thrive.

Now, I know what you're thinking. How will this solve our equity problems? Well, hear me out. Dancing is a universal language. It brings people together regardless of their race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. By dancing together, we'll break down barriers and create a more inclusive environment for everyone.

So there you have it, folks. The Dancing Teacher Test and mandatory dance parties. It may sound silly, but sometimes the silliest ideas are the ones that work. Let's dance our way to educational equity!

Annual Reports and Information Staff (Annual Reports) - Equity in Education https://nces.ed.gov/programs/equity/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsflash 

As US schools become more diverse, patchwork equity efforts fall short https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/education/2023/09/14/flawed-equity-efforts-us-schools-teachers/70679911007/ 

Professional development for teachers: These players dominate https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/education/2023/09/14/equity-professional-development-for-teachers/70801844007/ 

How Our Affiliates are Fighting for Education Equity https://www.aclu.org/news/free-speech/how-our-affiliates-are-fighting-for-education-equity