Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights
A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
5-10-25
Genealogist: The New Pope Has Afro-Caribbean Roots in New Orleans https://dianeravitch.net/2025/05/09/genealogist-the-new-pope-has-afro-caribbean-roots-in-new-orleans/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Pope Leo XIV is the first American-born and Peruvian pope, with Afro-Caribbean ancestry from New Orleans.
- His maternal grandparents, Joseph Martinez and Louise Baquié, were Creole people of color from New Orleans’ Seventh Ward.
- The pope’s election reflects the diverse cultural fabric of America and continues the Catholic Church’s focus on social justice.
- By choosing the name Leo XIV, the pope signals alignment with "Rerum Novarum," advocating for workers’ rights and social justice.
- Right-wing critics and MAGA figures have labeled him a "Woke Marxist," reflecting polarized reactions to his progressive ideals.
Heather Cox Richardson: The New Pope's Clash with MAGA https://dianeravitch.net/2025/05/09/heather-cox-richardson-the-new-popes-clash-with-maga/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Cardinal Robert Prevost, an American-born cleric with Peruvian ties, was elected Pope Leo XIV, signaling a continuation of Pope Francis's progressive reforms.
- Pope Leo XIV's choice of name references Pope Leo XIII, known for his 1891 encyclical "Rerum Novarum," advocating for workers' rights and social justice.
- The new Pope rejects far-right interpretations of Catholic doctrine, particularly J.D. Vance's "ordo amoris" concept, which prioritized nationalistic and anti-immigrant policies.
- Pope Francis and Pope Leo XIV emphasize the universal dignity of all individuals and call for compassion and support for migrants and refugees.
- Right-wing figures, including Laura Loomer and Charlie Kirk, criticized Pope Leo XIV, while former President Trump expressed a mixed response.
Where Did Trump Get the Nutty Idea of Reopening Alcatraz? https://dianeravitch.net/2025/05/09/where-did-trump-get-the-nutty-idea-of-reopening-alcatraz/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Trump proposed reopening Alcatraz to house hardened criminals, citing the need for stricter law enforcement.
- Critics believe the idea was inspired by the Clint Eastwood film "Escape from Alcatraz," which Trump reportedly watched.
- The island is now a national park and museum, making the proposal costly and unrealistic.
- Some commentators argue Trump uses such announcements to distract from political controversies and failures.
- The proposal has been widely dismissed as a symbolic and impractical stunt.
New York: State Education Commissioner's Staff Member Blasts Governor Hochul! https://dianeravitch.net/2025/05/09/new-york-state-education-commissioner-blasts-governor-hochul/ via @dianeravitch
- A letter criticizing New York Governor Hochul was written by Jim Baldwin, a deputy to State Education Commissioner Dr. Betty Rosa, addressing her political compromises with ultra-Orthodox Jewish yeshivas, which fail to meet state educational standards.
- The letter accuses Hochul of prioritizing political gain over the educational rights of children, highlighting deficiencies in yeshiva education, such as students being ill-prepared for college and lacking basic literacy skills.
- Dr. Betty Rosa supports the viewpoint expressed in the letter, although she clarified that she was not the author.
- Critics argue that Hochul's actions undermine the state's educational laws and perpetuate inequality in education.
Federal Judge Orders Immediate Release of Tufts Graduate Student from ICE Detention! https://dianeravitch.net/2025/05/09/federal-judge-orders-immediate-release-of-tufts-graduate-student-from-ice-detention/ via @dianeravitch
Federal Judge Orders Immediate Release of Tufts Graduate Student from ICE Detention!
- A federal judge ordered the immediate release of Rumeysa Ozturk, a Turkish Ph.D. student at Tufts University, who was detained by ICE agents for authoring an op-ed critical of Israel.
- Judge William Sessions III ruled her detention violated free speech and due process rights, stating there was no evidence beyond her op-ed to justify her arrest.
- The Trump administration’s actions, including visa revocations targeting students critical of Israel, were criticized for potentially suppressing free speech among noncitizens.
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio had revoked Ozturk’s visa, citing foreign policy interests, which was part of a broader crackdown on dissent.
What’s Killing Democracy?: 8 Paths to America’s Intellectual Decline – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/05/09/whats-killing-education-8-paths-to-americas-intellectual-decline/
### Key Points
- The over-reliance on AI without fostering human intelligence (HI) risks undermining critical thinking and independent thought.
- The rise of short-form video content as a primary information source fosters misinformation, emotional manipulation, and a lack of fact-checking.
- Standardized testing stifles creativity, critical thinking, and perpetuates inequality, promoting conformity over intellectual diversity.
- Distrust in experts and authoritative knowledge, fueled by political manipulation, leads to cynicism and confusion.
- Polarized media streams, designed to provoke conflict, benefit elites while dividing society and undermining collective understanding.
- Authoritarian tactics, such as manufactured emergencies and censorship, use education as a tool for political control.
- Curriculum bans and historical erasure damage civic engagement and foster ignorance, leading to societal injustice.
- Public apathy and delayed consequences of educational decay threaten democracy and intellectual growth.
- A call for a national recommitment to education prioritizing critical thinking, historical context, and democratic values.
CURMUDGUCATION: AI Is Bad At Grading Essays (Chapter #412,277) https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2025/05/ai-is-bad-at-grading-essays-chapter.html
### Key Points
- AI essay grading tools, including ChatGPT, fail to effectively evaluate writing due to their inability to truly comprehend or assess the quality of ideas.
- Scholar Les Perelman and others have demonstrated how AI systems can be tricked into giving high scores to nonsensical essays, highlighting their limitations.
- Studies reveal biases in AI grading, with Black students often receiving lower scores compared to other groups, undermining the claim of objectivity in AI tools.
- Using AI for grading damages the fundamental purpose of writing as a human-to-human communication process.
CURMUDGUCATION: The Failed Case for Super-NAEPery https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2025/05/the-failed-case-for-super-naepery.html
### Key Points
- The proposal to make NAEP a universal, annual test is criticized as a repackaging of previously failed attempts at national standardized testing.
- The expectation that test scores should continuously improve is questioned, as it lacks a clear rationale or theory.
- Concerns are raised about federal overreach and the potential illegal control of local curricula through tying test compliance to federal funding.
- The article argues that standardized tests like NAEP fail to provide actionable solutions or meaningful accountability in education.
- The proposal overlooks the complexities of educational accountability and flexibility, offering a flawed solution to systemic issues.
Teacher Tom: I Picked Up a Small Stone . . . https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2025/05/i-picked-up-small-stone.html
### Key Points
- A small stone became a symbol of sharing and connection among children when gifted and passed along, embodying the principles of a "gift economy."
- The act of sharing created relationships and mutual respect among the children, with no adult intervention needed.
- Teacher Tom emphasizes the importance of treating children with dignity, fostering environments where they think and act independently.
- The blog connects this experience to play-based learning and offers resources for educators to adopt similar practices.
glen brown: Pope Leo XIV https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/05/pope-leo-xiv.html
### Key Points
- The election of Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, brings excitement and uncertainty, with a focus on his background in theology, pastoral work, and global church administration.
- Prevost's global experience, including his time in Peru and as head of the Augustinian order, contributed to his election as pope.
- The internationalization of the College of Cardinals under recent popes has enabled more diverse leadership in the Catholic Church.
- Pope Leo XIV’s initial remarks emphasized peace, dialogue, and unity, signaling his vision for the papacy.
- Concerns arise from past controversial remarks by Leo XIV about LGBTQ+ issues, contrasting with Pope Francis' inclusive approach.
- Broader topics discussed include political commentary, social justice, pensions, education, and activism.
Seattle Schools Community Forum: Mizrahi and Clark Issue a Throwdown (of sorts) to ... https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2025/05/mizrahi-and-clark-issue-throwdown-of.html?spref=tw
### Key Points
- Seattle Public Schools' enrollment practices assign teachers before students, leaving families on waitlists despite available space and harming vulnerable groups, such as CODA children and students of color.
- Enrollment issues have caused a significant number of families to leave the district, resulting in funding losses and program cuts.
- Current policies limit school choice and equity, contradicting the district's stated values. The op-ed advocates for expanding access to quality programs rather than eliminating them.
- The district's sibling enrollment policy often forces families to relocate older siblings, creating additional hardships.
- The authors criticize the governance system (Student Outcome Focused Governance) and urge parents and community members to advocate for change, especially during school board elections.
Seattle Schools Community Forum: Who's Running for Seattle School Board? https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2025/05/whos-running-for-seattle-school-board.html?spref=tw
- A detailed overview of candidates running for the Seattle School Board across Districts 2, 4, 5, and 7, including their backgrounds and motivations.
- Insights into specific candidates, including their professional experiences, community involvement, and potential challenges in their campaigns.
- Discussion on the unclear candidacy status of certain individuals and the lack of information about some candidates.
- Highlights about notable candidates like Laura Marie Rivera, Julissa Sanchez, Vivian Song, and others, emphasizing their qualifications and past roles.
- Commentary on broader issues in Seattle Public Schools, including nepotism and potential school closures, reflecting systemic challenges.
Teacher Appreciation: An Oxymoron - Nancy Bailey's Education Website https://nancyebailey.com/2025/05/09/teacher-appreciation-an-oxymoron/
### Key Points
- Teacher appreciation is undermined by systemic disrespect and the devaluation of their work.
- Leaders like Linda McMahon and policies under Trump have shown little respect for teachers, aiming to privatize education and replace public schools with charter schools and AI.
- The original concept of charter schools, intended to empower teachers, has been co-opted by business interests, reducing teachers' roles and pay.
- Teachers should be given respected leadership and opportunities to lead schools to foster creativity and innovation within public education.
Second Breakfast: Computing Versus Democracy | National Education Policy Center https://nepc.colorado.edu/blog/computing-versus-democracy
### Key Points
- Bill Gates' philanthropic and technological efforts have reshaped education policy, aligning it with technology and corporate interests.
- Gates and Microsoft have historically been criticized for monopolistic practices and their role in fostering inequality and environmental harm.
- The push for tech-driven education, such as AI tools and personalized learning, often falls short of its promises, serving oligarchic interests rather than democratic or educational goals.
- The narrative around ed-tech solutions relies on marketing and storytelling rather than measurable success, reinforcing a system that benefits billionaires while undermining public education.
Schools Matter: Sen. Chris Murphy Educates Homeland Security’s Mean Barbie, Kristi Noem http://www.schoolsmatter.info/2025/05/sen-chris-murphy-educates-homeland.html
### Key Points
- The blog critiques the influence of classmates on learning versus teacher characteristics, referencing James Coleman's 1972 work.
- Senator Chris Murphy's commentary on Homeland Security’s Kristi Noem is highlighted, focusing on themes of fascism and lawlessness.
- The blog discusses poverty as a critical factor in education rather than teacher quality.
- There is criticism of corporate charter schools and their role in exploiting vulnerable populations, referencing WikiLeaks revelations.
- The blog archives contain extensive critiques of education policies, including testing, teacher training, and systemic inequalities.
Trump-Sanctioned Discrimination Hitting Schools, by @TheAndySpears https://open.substack.com/pub/theeducationreport/p/trump-sanctioned-discrimination-hitting?r=kja7f&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
### Key Points
- The Trump Administration's approach to education prioritizes dismantling the Department of Education, leaving vulnerable students at risk.
- Protections under laws like IDEA and 504 plans are jeopardized due to the lack of specialists at the Department of Education.
- Civil rights offices have been closed, making it nearly impossible to investigate discrimination in schools, with families' complaints going unheard.
- The Office of Civil Rights has shifted its focus to limiting transgender students' rights and diversity initiatives instead of addressing discrimination.
The article is a compilation of various topics, including political, educational, societal, and religious issues. It highlights recent developments such as Elon Musk's influence, immigration policies, education reforms, and the election of Pope Leo XIV. The content emphasizes systemic challenges, grassroots activism, and the importance of inclusivity and reform in various sectors.
### Key Points
- Elon Musk established Starbase in Texas, sparking opposition from environmentalists and indigenous groups due to concerns over public land control and billionaire influence.
- ICE's deportation practices under the Trump administration targeted non-criminal immigrants, raising ethical concerns and calls for humane immigration policies.
- Randi Weingarten advocates for Career and Technical Education (CTE) as an alternative to the "college for all" approach, emphasizing its role in preparing students for skilled careers.
- The Trump administration promoted Elon Musk's Starlink service during trade negotiations, raising concerns about cronyism and conflicts of interest.
- Trump withdrew Ed Martin's nomination as U.S. Attorney due to opposition stemming from Martin's ties to January 6 insurrectionists.
- Kristi Noem fired FEMA's acting director Cameron Hamilton for opposing FEMA's abolition, leaving the agency leaderless before hurricane season.
- Pope Leo XIV, the first American-Peruvian pope, was elected, continuing Pope Francis' progressive legacy with a focus on inclusivity and reform.
- AI recreations of deceased writers, like Agatha Christie, were criticized for misrepresenting their work and raising ethical concerns.
- The term "gender ideology" was dissected, highlighting cultural debates on gender identity and the suppression of diverse perspectives in education.
- Trump's preliminary budget proposed cuts to K-12 education funding while increasing charter school funding, raising equity concerns.
- Higher education institutions were urged to resist political overreach and defend democratic principles through legal and cultural action.
- The Illinois Supreme Court's 2015 decision protected public pensions, emphasizing constitutional safeguards against legislative overreach.
- Academic silence in the face of political threats was criticized, with calls for advocacy to protect education and democracy.
- Community schools in Wisconsin were highlighted as transformative models addressing systemic inequalities and fostering inclusivity.
- History education remains largely unchanged, with teacher-centered methods dominating despite calls for inquiry-based approaches.
- Eating disorders on college campuses were identified as a hidden crisis, with integrated treatment programs like Body U addressing the issue.
- STEM stereotypes persist, influencing gender diversity in fields like engineering and computer science, with early exposure suggested as a remedy.
- Teacher Tom emphasized reflective communication with children to foster independence and cooperation.
- The Trump administration’s education policies, including the MAGA curriculum, were critiqued for promoting nationalism and suppressing critical thinking.
- Grassroots activism was credited with resisting authoritarian policies and promoting democratic values.
