FLORIDA AND OKLAHOMA FLAT EARTHER REJOICE: POLITICIANS DEFUND CHINESE LANGUAGE AND CULTURE PROGRAMS

 

FLORIDA AND OKLAHOMA FLAT EARTHER REJOICE: POLITICIANS DEFUND CHINESE LANGUAGE AND CULTURE PROGRAMS

In a move that can only be described as "not to be outdone by Oklahoma," Florida has decided to defund voucher support for schools that teach Chinese language and culture. Because, you know, the Chinese supporting education programs in America is just too scary for some people. It seems that the fear of learning about world cultures, histories, and languages is enough to excite the base of politicians like Oklahoma's State Superintendent Ryan Walters, who is running for governor, and Florida's own Governor Ron DeSantis, who may have his sights set on a presidential run.

The Florida Department of Education recently made the decision to suspend scholarships for four schools, including the Sagemont Preparatory schools in Weston, due to their alleged "direct ties to the Chinese communist party." Governor DeSantis, ever the master of suspense, did not provide any details on the investigation but assured the public that these connections pose an imminent threat to the health, safety, and welfare of the students. Because apparently, learning Chinese is just that dangerous.

Earlier this year, Governor DeSantis signed SB 846 into law, which prohibits any school affiliated with a foreign country of concern from participating in Florida's School Choice scholarship programs. Because, you know, we can't have our children learning about other cultures and languages. That's just too risky. Who knows what kind of trouble they could get into if they knew more about the world around them?

But fear not, dear readers, for there is hope. Weston's Sagemont Preparatory School has denied these allegations and claims that they were not even contacted before their scholarship funds were suspended. It seems that someone may have jumped the gun on this one. Perhaps they were just too eager to show their base that they were tough on China. Or maybe they just really don't like the idea of kids expanding their horizons and learning about different cultures.

In fact, it seems that this fear of learning about the world extends beyond just Florida. Oklahoma's own State Superintendent Ryan Walters has claimed that Tulsa Public Schools are linked to the Chinese Communist Party and receiving money from the Chinese government. However, TPS officials have denied these allegations and there is no evidence to support Walters' claims. It appears that he may have been caught up in a web of speculation and innuendo, with no credible evidence to back him up.

It's truly a strange world we live in when learning about other cultures and languages is something to be feared. But hey, who needs a well-rounded education when you can just stick to what you know? After all, ignorance is bliss, right?

So here's to you, Florida and Oklahoma. May your fear of the unknown continue to guide your decisions and keep your citizens in the dark. Because who needs enlightenment when you can have fear instead?

Florida Department of Education suspends scholarships for Weston school due to alleged ties to China https://www.local10.com/news/local/2023/09/24/florida-department-of-education-suspends-scholarships-for-weston-school-due-to-alleged-ties-to-china/ 

Florida suspends 4 schools from scholarship program over China ties – NBC 6 South Florida https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/weston-school-among-those-suspended-from-scholarship-program-over-china-ties/3118951/ 

Big Education Ape: OKLA SSPI RYAN WALTERS SAYS TULSA PUBLIC SCHOOLS ARE LINKED TO CHINESE COMMUNIST https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/08/okla-sspi-ryan-walters-say-tulsa-public.html 

Big Education Ape: CURMUDGUCATION: US Education versus Confucius https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2020/10/curmudgucation-us-education-versus.html 

THE DEFT DIVE

FROM BARD AI

Sagemont Preparatory School is a private college preparatory school in Weston, Florida. It was founded in 1965 and has a student body of over 1,000 students from grades 6-12. The school has a strong academic reputation and is known for its rigorous coursework and demanding schedule.

Sagemont Preparatory School has been criticized for its ties to China. In 2019, the school signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Chinese government to establish a Confucius Institute on its campus. Confucius Institutes are language and cultural centers that are funded by the Chinese government. They have been criticized for promoting Chinese propaganda and censorship.

The MOU between Sagemont Preparatory School and the Chinese government was signed in the presence of the Chinese Consul General in Miami. The Consul General praised the school for its commitment to teaching Chinese language and culture. He also said that the Confucius Institute would help to strengthen ties between China and the United States.

However, some critics have argued that the Confucius Institute at Sagemont Preparatory School will be used to promote Chinese propaganda and censorship. They also say that the school's ties to China could pose a security risk.

In 2020, the FBI warned that Confucius Institutes are being used by the Chinese government to collect intelligence and spread propaganda. The FBI also said that Confucius Institutes are a threat to academic freedom.

Sagemont Preparatory School has defended its ties to China. The school says that the Confucius Institute will provide students with an opportunity to learn about Chinese culture and language. The school also says that it is committed to academic freedom and will not allow the Chinese government to interfere with its curriculum.

However, some critics remain concerned about Sagemont Preparatory School's ties to China. They say that the school is putting its students at risk by partnering with a government that has a history of human rights abuses.

Here are some specific concerns that have been raised about Sagemont Preparatory School's ties to China:

• * The Chinese government has a history of using Confucius Institutes to promote its propaganda and censorship.
• * The Confucius Institute at Sagemont Preparatory School could pose a security risk, as the Chinese government could use it to collect intelligence on students and faculty.
• * Sagemont Preparatory School's ties to China could make it difficult for the school to maintain its academic freedom.

It is important to note that these are just concerns, and there is no evidence that Sagemont Preparatory School is actually engaged in any of the activities that have been alleged. However, it is important to be aware of these concerns before making a decision about whether or not to enroll your child in Sagemont Preparatory School.

FROM BING AI

The Sagemont Preparatory School Florida controversy is a recent development that involves the suspension of four schools from the state's school choice scholarship program due to their alleged ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Here is a summary of the main points:

• - On September 22, 2023, Governor Ron DeSantis directed the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) to suspend the availability of school choice scholarships to four schools that have direct ties to the CCP¹. The schools are Lower and Upper Sagemont Preparatory Schools in Weston, Parke House Academy in Winter Park, and Park Maitland School in Winter Park¹.
• - The FDOE has determined that the schools' connections to the CCP constitute an imminent threat to the health, safety, and welfare of the students and the public¹. The Department is working with the non-profit scholarship funding organizations to assist impacted students in finding and enrolling in nearby eligible schools¹.
• - The suspension is based on a law that was signed by Governor DeSantis on May 8, 2023, which prohibits any school affiliated with a foreign country of concern from participating in Florida's school choice scholarship programs¹. The law also bans "Confucius Institutes", which are seen as propaganda centers for the CCP¹.
• - The governor's office did not provide any details on the nature or extent of the schools' ties to the CCP, only saying that they were discovered through a thorough investigation². Local 10 News reached out to Sagemont administration for comment, but they said they were not contacted in advance and were seeking more information regarding the basis for the decision².
• - The suspension has sparked controversy and criticism from some parents, students, and educators who claim that the schools have no affiliation with the CCP and that the decision was politically motivated and unfair³⁴⁵. They argue that the schools provide high-quality education and have no influence from any foreign entity³⁴⁵. They also question the validity and transparency of the investigation and demand evidence for the allegations³⁴⁵.

Bing, 9/25/2023

• (1) Florida Takes Action Against Four Florida Schools with Ties to the .... https://www.flgov.com/2023/09/22/florida-takes-action-against-four-florida-schools-with-ties-to-the-chinese-communist-party/.
• (2) Florida Department of Education suspends scholarships for Weston school .... https://www.local10.com/news/local/2023/09/24/florida-department-of-education-suspends-scholarships-for-weston-school-due-to-alleged-ties-to-china/.
• (3) Weston prep schools among 4 suspended from voucher program - Sun Sentinel. https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2023/09/22/desantis-drops-sagemont-prep-campuses-other-schools-from-voucher-programs-because-of-china-ties/.
• (4) DeSantis drops Sagemont Prep campuses, other schools from voucher .... https://broward.us/2023/09/23/desantis-drops-sagemont-prep-campuses-other-schools-from-voucher-programs-because-of-china-ties/.
• (5) Florida suspends scholarships for 4 schools with ‘ties to Chinese .... https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/09/22/florida-suspends-scholarships-for-4-schools-with-ties-to-chinese-communist-party/.

FLORIDA'S NEW VOODOO EDUCATION LAWS TURNS ATTORNEYS INTO DODO BIRDS

FLORIDA'S NEW VOODOO EDUCATION LAWS TURNS ATTORNEYS INTO DODO BIRDS 

In a move that has left attorneys scratching their heads and educators running for cover, Florida has implemented a series of new education laws that are so bizarre and convoluted, they make Governor DeSantis' failing woke campaign for president look like a model of clarity and coherence.

The new laws, which include the Stop Woke Act and the Parental Rights in Education law, have caused confusion and frustration among attorneys, who are struggling to interpret the laws and provide guidance to their clients, including schools and educators.

One of the main areas of confusion is the definition of "critical race theory," which is prohibited in Florida schools under the Stop Woke Act. The law does not define critical race theory, and attorneys have different interpretations of what it means. This has led to concerns about how teachers can avoid teaching critical race theory without also avoiding other important topics, such as history and social studies.

But that's just the tip of the iceberg. The Parental Rights in Education law is even more confusing. It gives parents more control over their children's education, but prohibits schools from discussing sexual orientation and gender identity with students in kindergarten through third grade. It also requires schools to obtain parental permission before providing any counseling or health services related to sexual orientation or gender identity.

Attorneys are struggling to interpret how these provisions will apply in practice. For example, they are unsure whether the law prohibits teachers from answering students' questions about sexual orientation and gender identity. They are also unsure whether the law requires schools to obtain parental permission before providing any counseling or health services related to these topics, even if the student is already seeing a counselor or receiving health services without parental consent.

The confusion caused by Florida's new education laws has led to a climate of fear and uncertainty among educators. Many teachers are worried about saying or doing anything that could lead to a lawsuit from a parent. This has stifled academic freedom and made it difficult for teachers to provide students with a comprehensive education.

To make matters worse, the state has provided little guidance on how to implement these new laws. Attorneys have been left scrambling to interpret the laws on their own, leading to a patchwork of different approaches across the state.

In one email exchange obtained by the Miami Herald, an attorney asked the state whether the Stop Woke Act applies to teachers' classroom libraries. The state responded that it did not know. In another email, an attorney asked for a "step-by-step" process on how school media centers and specialists should approve and adopt new books under the Stop Woke Act. The state again responded that it did not know.

The lack of clear guidance from the state has left attorneys and educators scratching their heads and wondering what to do next.

But fear not, Floridians! We have come up with some hilarious solutions to these confusing new laws.

First, let's tackle the Stop Woke Act. Since the law doesn't define what critical race theory is, we suggest that teachers just teach everything in code. For example, instead of saying "critical race theory," they can say "that thing we can't talk about." Instead of teaching history, they can teach "the thing that happened a long time ago that we can't mention specifically."

As for the Parental Rights in Education law, we suggest that schools just hand out permission slips for everything. Want to teach students about sexual orientation? Have them sign a permission slip. Want to give them health services related to gender identity? Have them sign another permission slip. Want to give them a pencil? You guessed it - have them sign a permission slip.

And if all else fails, just teach your students how to cast spells and perform voodoo rituals. That way, you can avoid talking about anything controversial altogether.

In all seriousness, though, these new education laws are a disaster. They stifle academic freedom, create confusion and fear among educators, and make it difficult for students to receive a comprehensive education. It's time for Florida to provide clear guidance on how these laws should be implemented so that educators can feel confident teaching and students can receive the education they deserve.

Until then, we'll just keep practicing our voodoo spells.

Florida school attorneys confused over new education laws | Miami Herald https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/education/article279605704.html 

Lawyers struggle to advise Florida schools on books https://www.tampabay.com/news/education/2023/09/25/lawyers-struggle-advise-florida-schools-books/ 

THE DEFT DIVE

FROM BARD AI

Florida's new education laws, including the Stop Woke Act and the Parental Rights in Education law, have caused confusion and frustration among attorneys, according to a report by the Miami Herald.

The report, which is based on emails obtained through public records requests, shows that attorneys are struggling to interpret the new laws and provide guidance to their clients, including schools and educators.

One of the main areas of confusion is the definition of "critical race theory," which is prohibited in Florida schools under the Stop Woke Act. The law does not define critical race theory, and attorneys have different interpretations of what it means. This has led to concerns about how teachers can avoid teaching critical race theory without also avoiding other important topics, such as history and social studies.

Another area of confusion is the Parental Rights in Education law, which gives parents more control over their children's education. The law prohibits schools from discussing sexual orientation and gender identity with students in kindergarten through third grade. It also requires schools to obtain parental permission before providing any counseling or health services related to sexual orientation or gender identity.

Attorneys are struggling to interpret how these provisions will apply in practice. For example, they are unsure whether the law prohibits teachers from answering students' questions about sexual orientation and gender identity. They are also unsure whether the law requires schools to obtain parental permission before providing any counseling or health services related to these topics, even if the student is already seeing a counselor or receiving health services without parental consent.

The confusion caused by Florida's new education laws has led to a climate of fear and uncertainty among educators. Many teachers are worried about saying or doing anything that could lead to a lawsuit from a parent. This has stifled academic freedom and made it difficult for teachers to provide students with a comprehensive education.

Here are some specific examples of the confusion that attorneys have expressed about Florida's new education laws:

• * In one email, an attorney asked the state whether the Stop Woke Act applies to teachers' classroom libraries. The state responded that it did not know.
• * In another email, an attorney asked the state for a "step-by-step" process on how school media centers and specialists should approve and adopt new books under the Stop Woke Act. The state again responded that it did not know.
• * In a third email, an attorney asked the state what a teacher should do "from start to finish" before suggesting a book to students. The state responded that the teacher should consult with their media specialist and principal.
• * In a fourth email, an attorney asked the state how much time media specialists should have to review books before they can be made available to students. The state responded that there was no specific time requirement.

The lack of clear guidance from the state has left attorneys and educators scrambling to interpret the new laws on their own. This has led to a patchwork of different approaches across the state, with some schools being more cautious than others.

The confusion caused by Florida's new education laws is having a negative impact on students. Teachers are afraid to teach important topics, and students are missing out on a well-rounded education. It is important for the state to provide clear guidance on how these laws should be implemented so that educators can feel confident teaching and students can receive the education they deserve.

FROM BING AI

Confusion over Florida’s new education laws:

Florida's new education laws, which took effect on July 1, 2023, have caused confusion and frustration among school district attorneys who are tasked with advising school leaders on how to comply with them. The laws include House Bill 1467, which requires districts to post online the instructional materials used in classrooms and library media centers, and to allow parents to challenge any materials they deem inappropriate or harmful to minors; Senate Bill 1054, which requires districts to provide financial literacy instruction in public schools; and Senate Bill 1048, which reduces the number of state-mandated student assessments.

According to email exchanges obtained by the Miami Herald⁵, the attorneys have raised many questions and concerns about the interpretation and implementation of these laws, especially HB 1467, which has been dubbed the "Don't Say Gay" law by critics. Some of the issues they discussed include:

• - The definition of "library media centers", which was clarified by the State Board of Education in October 2022 to include classroom libraries⁵. This means that teachers have to follow the same procedures as media specialists when selecting books for their students, and that parents can challenge any books available in classrooms.
• - The criteria for determining whether a book is "pornographic" or "harmful to minors", which are not clearly defined in the law⁵. The attorneys debated whether the mere mention of certain words, such as "sex", "gay", or "transgender", would make a book subject to challenge, or whether the book should be evaluated as a whole for its literary, artistic, political, or scientific value⁹.
• - The process for reviewing and approving instructional materials, which requires a school district employee with a valid educational media specialist certificate to select books for students, regardless of whether they are purchased, donated, or "otherwise made available" to students⁵. The attorneys wondered what this phrase meant, and whether it applied to book fairs held on school grounds⁵.
• - The resources and time needed to comply with the law, which imposes additional workload and costs on districts⁵. The attorneys asked whether there would be additional funds or staff to review materials, how much time media specialists have to review materials, and how to protect staff from legal challenges or public backlash⁵.

The email exchanges also show that the attorneys have received little guidance from the state Department of Education on how to interpret and implement the new laws. They relied on memoranda from Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran and State Board of Education rules for some clarification, but they also expressed frustration and uncertainty about the lack of details and consistency from the state⁵. They also advised school districts to err on the side of caution and remove or restrict any books that could potentially trigger a challenge or controversy⁵.

The new education laws have also sparked criticism and resistance from some educators, parents, students, and advocacy groups, who argue that they infringe on academic freedom, diversity, equity, and inclusion. They have launched campaigns to oppose book bans and censorship, and to support teachers and librarians who face pressure from the state and some parents⁷. Some have also filed lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of the laws⁷.

The impact of the new education laws on Florida's public education system is still unfolding, but it is clear that they have created confusion and frustration among school district attorneys who are trying to advise school leaders on how to comply with them. The email exchanges reveal some of the challenges and dilemmas they face in interpreting and implementing the laws, as well as the lack of guidance and support from the state. The new education laws have also sparked controversy and opposition from various stakeholders who are concerned about their effects on students' learning and well-being.

Bing, 9/25/2023

• (1) Florida school attorneys confused over new education laws | Miami Herald. https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/education/article279605704.html.
• (2) Lawyers struggle to advise Florida schools on books - Tampa Bay Times. https://www.tampabay.com/news/education/2023/09/25/lawyers-struggle-advise-florida-schools-books/.
• (3) Book bans surged across the US in 2023. Florida was the blueprint. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/book-bans-surged-across-the-us-in-2023-florida-was-the-blueprint/ar-AA1h7dXL.
• (4) These are the Florida education bills that will become law on July 1 .... https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/education/2023-06-27/florida-education-bills-law-july-1.
• (5) Here are the new rules in effect as students return to Florida schools .... https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/education/2023-08-10/school-starts-florida-new-rules-in-effect.
• (6) Governor Ron DeSantis Signs Historic Bill to Protect ... - Florida Governor. https://www.flgov.com/2022/03/28/governor-ron-desantis-signs-historic-bill-to-protect-parental-rights-in-education/.
• (7) Governor Ron DeSantis Signs Bill to Reform Higher Education in Florida. https://www.flgov.com/2022/04/19/governor-ron-desantis-signs-bill-to-reform-higher-education-in-florida/.
• (8) What not to wear at school? A Florida district wavers amid confusion.. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/what-not-to-wear-at-school-a-florida-district-wavers-amid-confusion/ar-AA1gBdle.
• (9) Email exchanges show attorneys’ confusion and frustration over Florida .... https://news.yahoo.com/email-exchanges-show-attorneys-confusion-093000663.html.

IN A REALLY DIRTY MOVE MEATAXE MIKE MILES CUTS HISD CUSTODIAL STAFF

 

IN A REALLY DIRTY MOVE MEATAXE MIKE MILES CUTS HISD CUSTODIAL STAFF

Houston, we have a problem. And his name is MeatAxe Mike Miles. The state-appointed superintendent of Houston ISD is on a mission to destroy the district and privatize the schools, and he's not even trying to hide it. In fact, he's hoping to do it much sooner than his estimated five-year plan. 

Miles has already made some diabolical moves, like cutting custodial staff because apparently dirty schools should just be closed (according to page 86 of the Billionaires Playbook for Privatizing Schools). But that's not all, folks. In a move that can only be described as pure evil, he cut the toilet paper budget in half. Yes, you read that right. HALF. 

Now, I don't know about you, but when I think of a school, I think of books, pencils, and toilet paper. It's a basic necessity, like air or water. But apparently, Miles thinks differently. Maybe he thinks the students can just use their sleeves or something. 

But in all seriousness, these cuts have real consequences. The Houston Education Association has expressed concerns over potential safety issues arising from the layoffs of custodians, who secure school buildings in the morning and lock up at the end of the day. And let's not forget about the poor students who now have to ration their toilet paper use. It's a sad state of affairs, folks. 

But Miles doesn't seem to care. He's too busy trying to build a culture of high performance standardized test takers and change outcomes for the Houston district. He expects about 70 schools to receive a D or F in the state's accountability system from an A-F scale, which takes into account state test scores. One of his main tasks at the district's helm will be to ensure that none of the schools receive a failing grade in multiple consecutive years. 

Now, I'm all for improving education outcomes. But tying compensation to classroom outcomes? That's just ridiculous. It's like saying that if a football team doesn't win every game, the coach doesn't get paid. It's not fair to the educators who are doing their best with limited resources and it's not fair to the students who may face even more pressure to perform well on standardized tests. 

But what do I know? I'm just a lowly writer trying to make sense of this crazy world we live in. All I know is that MeatAxe Mike Miles is not the hero we need or deserve. He's more like the villain in a bad 80s movie. And if he gets his way, Houston ISD will be a wasteland of dirty schools and empty toilet paper dispensers. 

So what can we do? Well, for starters, we can speak out against these cuts and hold Miles accountable for his actions. We can support our educators and demand that they be treated with respect and fairness. And most importantly, we can keep fighting for a better future for our children, one where they can learn and grow without fear of budget cuts or standardized tests. 

In conclusion, MeatAxe Mike Miles may think he's the king of Houston ISD, but he's really just a court jester with a bad haircut. Let's show him that we won't stand for his nonsense and that we're ready to fight for what's right. Because at the end of the day, education is too important to be left in the hands of someone like him.

Some service, sanitation positions eliminated at Houston ISD https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2023/09/25/some-service-sanitation-positions-eliminated-at-houston-isd/ 

Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles sets a deadline to show results | The Texas Tribune https://www.texastribune.org/2023/09/23/houston-isd-superintendent-mike-miles/ 

Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles says he needs four to five years to turn the district around https://www.click2houston.com/news/texas/2023/09/23/houston-isd-superintendent-mike-miles-says-he-needs-four-to-five-years-to-turn-the-district-around/