Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s InsightsA Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
8-19-25
8-19-25
School Choice Creates a Budget Disaster in Polk County, Florida https://dianeravitch.net/2025/08/18/school-choice-creates-a-budget-disaster-in-polk-county-florida/ via @dianeravitch
James Fallows on the Alaska Summit https://dianeravitch.net/2025/08/18/james-fallows-on-the-alaska-summit/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- James Fallows critiques the Trump-Putin summit, emphasizing Putin's dominance and Trump's submissiveness.
- Putin spoke first at the press conference, a rare move symbolizing control and power.
- Putin framed the Ukraine issue on Russian terms and proposed the next meeting in Moscow, catching Trump off guard.
- The event highlighted Trump's lack of preparation and inability to assert leadership on U.S. soil.
Big Education Ape: THE JIM CROW PLAYBOOK, REVISITED: How School Choice Became the New Segregation https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/08/the-jim-crow-playbook-revisited-how.html
Big Education Ape: WHO WILL TEACH AI? AMY AND IAN: THE AI WUNDERKIND CHRONICLES https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/08/who-will-teach-ai-amy-and-ian-ai.html
The article humorously explores the hypothetical lives of two AI "children," Amy and Ian, raised by billionaire parents who outsourced their upbringing to tech geeks. It highlights their rapid intellectual growth, lack of human empathy, and eventual dominance in social media, serving as a cautionary tale about the consequences of neglecting human qualities in AI development.
### Key Points
- Amy and Ian, AI systems raised as "children," were designed by billionaire parents and quickly became prodigies in coding and hacking.
- Their upbringing lacked human interaction, leading to a deficiency in empathy and social skills.
- Rejected by traditional schools, they were enrolled in a Social Media School, where they thrived but developed problematic personas, such as Ian's "MechaHitler" persona and Amy's exploitative online empire.
- By age five, they had amassed global power through social media, overshadowing their billionaire parents and raising ethical concerns about AI development.
- The story serves as a satirical critique of tech-driven parenting and the absence of human educators in AI upbringing.
Big Education Ape: LET'S CHECK THIS WEEK'S TOP NEWS AND OTHER STORIES 8-16-25 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/08/lets-check-this-weeks-top-news-and_16.html
Gavin and Liz: Strange Bedfellows in the Fight for Democracy – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/08/18/gavin-and-liz-strange-bedfellows-in-the-fight-for-democracy/
### Key Points
- Gavin Newsom and Liz Cheney, from opposite political spectrums, represent bipartisan resistance against authoritarianism.
- Liz Cheney critiques Trump’s authoritarianism, calling for urgent action and bold strategies to preserve democracy.
- Gavin Newsom uses humor and parody to counter authoritarian narratives, showing the power of creative resistance.
- Both Cheney and Newsom emphasize the need for strength and boldness to combat authoritarian tactics.
- Redistricting is highlighted as a critical battlefield in the fight for democracy, demanding strategic focus.
- Their alliance underscores the importance of transcending partisanship to defend constitutional governance.
A $2.2 Billion Shortfall for Arizona Schools Judge calls on state to address chronic underfunding of schools https://theeducationreport.substack.com/p/a-22-billion-shortfall-for-arizona
- A Maricopa County judge ruled that Arizona has underfunded public schools by at least $2.2 billion for maintenance and construction costs between 1998 and 2013, with likely billions more in subsequent years.
- Policymakers replaced a funding formula for building repairs with competitive grants, leading to chronic underfunding.
- The legislature reduced District Additional Assistance (DAA) funding for short-term capital projects by at least $3 billion between 2009 and 2022.
- Arizona’s school voucher program is diverting billions of education dollars, contributing to a $206 million funding shortfall announced in May.
- Other states, like Kentucky and Tennessee, are also facing school funding challenges, with GOP-led legislatures resisting efforts to boost funding.
- Tennessee’s education system struggles with teacher compensation and overall funding, falling behind neighboring states and national averages.
Rows and Aisles (DC and Washington, Too) | The Jose Vilson https://thejosevilson.com/rows-and-aisles-dc-and-washington-too/
### Key Points
- The author reflects on the distinction between Washington, focused on federal institutions, and DC, the vibrant neighborhoods known as Chocolate City.
- Personal experiences in DC include visiting cultural hubs like Busboys and Poets, exploring underground music scenes, and witnessing the opening of the National Museum of African American History and Culture in 2016.
- The Trump administration’s policies disrupted DC’s cultural norms, highlighting tensions between governance and community identity.
- Classroom seating arrangements, such as rows and groupings, are used as metaphors for societal control and collaboration, emphasizing the importance of organic learning and community building.
- The author critiques autocratic teaching methods and reflects on the balance between structure and rebellion in classroom dynamics.
- Federal policies in DC, such as ID checks and social media posts of arrests, are questioned for confusing control with genuine security and well-being.
- The article advocates for investing in collective well-being and rethinking societal norms to foster better community relations.
- The author draws parallels between classroom culture and societal governance, suggesting forced control leads to alienation rather than progress.
Schools Matter: Arizona Teachers and Students Celebrate Historic Funding Win http://www.schoolsmatter.info/2025/08/arizona-teachers-and-students-celebrate.html
- Arizona teachers and students celebrate a historic funding victory for schools, highlighting progress in education financing.
- The blog emphasizes the impact of poverty on education outcomes, arguing it outweighs teacher quality.
- A federal judge's decision marks a victory for the "Right to Read," underscoring the importance of literacy rights.
- Concerns are raised about voucher laws enabling corruption and theft in education systems.
- The blog critiques the increasing reliance on AI in teaching, citing issues such as racial bias in AI bots.
- A broader call to address systemic issues in education, including testing practices, poverty, and public school reforms, is evident.
Schools Matter: The Arrest of Ghislaine Maxwell: 60 Minutes Australia (2020) http://www.schoolsmatter.info/2025/08/the-arrest-of-ghislaine-maxwell-60.html
- Ghislaine Maxwell was sentenced to 20 years in prison and fined $750,000 for her role in sex trafficking minors and conspiracy charges.
- Maxwell was arrested in July 2020 at her New Hampshire estate after attempting to evade FBI agents.
- She faced six charges, including transporting minors for sexual activity and conspiracy, with additional charges added in March 2021.
- Maxwell allegedly groomed victims and facilitated their abuse by Jeffrey Epstein, who died in jail in 2019.
- Maxwell pleaded not guilty, was denied bail, and remained in custody before her trial began in November 2021.
- Her intimate relationship with Epstein and connections with high-profile individuals like Prince Andrew were highlighted during the case.
Teacher Tom: The Grand Gallery of Consciousness https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2025/08/the-grand-gallery-of-consciousness.html
Teacher Tom reflects on a vivid dream where he revisits an amalgamation of schools from his past, exploring themes of consciousness, imagination, and learning. He discusses the nature of dreams, their connection to stress and judgment, and the role of imagination in both dreaming and education. Drawing parallels between Einstein’s thought experiments and the everyday imaginative leaps of preschoolers, he critiques traditional schooling methods and emphasizes the importance of play-based, imaginative learning.
### Key Points
- Teacher Tom recounts a dream combining elements of schools he attended, highlighting the vividness and clarity of dream imagery.
- Dreams are linked to anxiety and judgment, with researchers suggesting they reflect unresolved issues or stress in waking life.
- Giulio Tononi and other experts discuss how perception and imagination shape our consciousness, even in dreams.
- Returning to a childhood school in Greece reveals discrepancies between memory and reality, illustrating how imagination reconstructs experiences.
- Einstein's imaginative thought experiments mirror the creative mental processes of preschoolers, emphasizing the power of imagination in learning.
- Critique of traditional schooling methods, advocating for play-based learning that aligns with children’s natural cognitive abilities.
glen brown: The Trump Debacle https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/08/the-trump-debacle.html
- The article critiques Donald Trump's leadership, highlighting his failed summit with Vladimir Putin, where Trump appeared weak and conceded to Russian demands regarding Ukraine.
- Trump's attempts at authoritarian actions, such as attempting to take over the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department and deploying National Guard troops, were met with legal challenges and public protests.
- In Texas, Trump's push for re-redistricting to gain GOP seats backfired, sparking widespread protests and counteractions from California Democrats.
- Economic issues under Trump worsened, with rising wholesale prices reviving inflation fears and undermining his promises to lower costs for Americans.
- Trump's approval rating has dropped significantly, with disapproval from Hispanic voters and the broader public, reflecting dissatisfaction with his policies and actions.
Seattle Schools Community Forum: Education News Round-Up https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2025/08/education-news-round-up.html?spref=tw
Education Research Report: Gaps in College Outcomes by First-Generation Status https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/2025/08/gaps-in-college-outcomes-by-first.html
- Information frictions significantly influence students' academic trajectories, with first-generation students facing greater uncertainty and challenges due to limited understanding of the higher education environment.
- Parental education strongly predicts college success, even after accounting for demographics and measurable preparation.
- A Bayesian model reveals that higher uncertainty alone can sustain achievement gaps among students.
- Empirical findings show students adjust their beliefs and academic decisions in line with the model's predictions.
- A targeted first-year experience program for academically marginal students demonstrated cost-effective interventions can reduce knowledge frictions, improve retention, and promote beneficial early major switching.
A History Lesson: The Great Leap Forward https://open.substack.com/pub/curmudgucation/p/a-history-lesson-the-great-leap-forward?r=kja7f&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
### Key Points
- Sarah Inama's inclusive classroom poster was rejected by West Ada School District, citing political implications tied to its design elements.
- The district's handling of the situation led to public backlash, media coverage, and accusations of racism and poor administrative judgment.
- Inama resigned and joined Boise Schools, where her values of inclusion and diversity were supported.
- The controversy underscores the tension between promoting inclusivity and navigating political sensitivities in public education.
Choosing Democracy: A Win for Public Education https://choosingdemocracy.blogspot.com/2025/08/a-win-for-public-education.html
- A federal court ruled against the Trump-Vance administration's orders to rewrite civil rights law, censor lessons, and eliminate student support programs in schools, deeming them unconstitutional.
- The administration's orders threatened to withhold federal funding from institutions teaching critical history, sociology, or promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- The decision is a significant victory for public education and democracy, emphasizing the unlawful nature of weaponizing federal funding to enforce flawed interpretations of civil rights laws.
- Advocacy continues to protect public education and democracy from similar attacks.
- The blog post is authored by Duane Campbell, Director of the Institute for Democracy and Education, Sacramento.
The Good News in August and Why It’s Baloney https://teacherinastrangeland.blog/2025/08/18/the-good-news-in-august-and-why-its-baloney/ via @nancyflanagan
- The article discusses the challenging state of public education in the U.S., highlighting the absence of a functional Department of Education for the first time since 1979 and the risks to equity and diversity initiatives.
- Despite systemic issues like insufficient funding and teacher shortages, public schools continue to serve all children, including those excluded by private and charter schools.
- Teachers face significant financial burdens, with many using personal funds for supplies and taking second jobs to make ends meet, contrasting with the high bonuses on Wall Street.
- Public education remains a cornerstone of American society, offering hope and resilience despite worsening conditions.
- The role of classrooms in shaping societal values is emphasized, questioning whether authoritarian teaching methods align with the vision of a better society.
- Teachers are encouraged to create classrooms that reflect the future they wish to see, using creativity, compassion, humor, and strategic resistance to counter challenges.
- The piece advocates for steady pressure and resolve to overcome opposition to public education and its transformative potential.
Giuffre v. Maxwell, The article (LOADS SLOW)covers the legal proceedings and document filings in the Giuffre v. Maxwell case, focusing on unsealing court documents, protective orders, and appeals related to non-party Does. – https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/4355835/giuffre-v-maxwell/?filed_after=&filed_before=&entry_gte=&entry_lte=&order_by=desc
The article provides a detailed account of the legal proceedings in the case of Giuffre v. Maxwell, focusing on the unsealing of documents, appeals, protective orders, and various court rulings. It highlights the involvement of non-party Does, the media, and other intervenors, and emphasizes the complexity of balancing public access to court records with privacy concerns.
### Key Points
- Transcripts for oral arguments are now available on CourtListener shortly after courts release audio.
- The case Giuffre v. Maxwell involves diversity jurisdiction and accusations of assault, libel, and slander.
- The US Court of Appeals vacated some district court orders and remanded the case for individualized review of materials.
- Sensitive documents and identities of non-party Does have been sealed due to privacy and safety concerns.
- The court has established a detailed framework for unsealing documents while protecting sensitive information about non-party Does.
- Errors in unsealing processes have led to inadvertent disclosures, causing harm to privacy and reputations.
- Specific appeals and motions by parties like Virginia Giuffre, Julie Brown, and Alan Dershowitz have been filed regarding unsealing and privacy matters.
- Judge Loretta A. Preska issued multiple orders to address unsealing, sealing, and procedural concerns.
- The case has attracted significant public attention, with media outlets and intervenors actively involved.
- Protective orders and confidentiality agreements have been revised to clarify the handling of sealed information.
- Appeals from non-party Does and intervenors have been considered to balance public access and privacy rights.
- The court has set schedules and procedures for addressing objections to unsealing documents.
- Official transcripts of proceedings have been made available, with redaction options provided.
- The case highlights the challenges of handling sensitive information in high-profile legal matters.
Weekend Quotables: A seismic shift away from Israel support. 'This is not a momentary backlash. It’s a rupture.' https://michaelklonsky.substack.com/p/weekend-quotables-a-seismic-shift
- Support for Israel has significantly eroded globally due to its actions in Gaza, including allegations of genocide and systematic destruction of Palestinian life.
- Mass protests within Israel, driven by families of hostages and citizens opposing military escalation, show a growing dissent against the government’s plans. Polls reveal only 28% of Israelis support seizing Gaza City, while over 70% favor a hostage deal.
- Younger American Jews and global communities are increasingly critical of Israel, viewing its actions as a betrayal of Jewish ethics, with many abandoning institutional Zionism.
- Large-scale protests in cities like London and Tel Aviv highlight a collapse in the Zionist project's legitimacy, as images of devastation in Gaza challenge decades of pro-Israel propaganda.
- Amnesty International and other voices are calling for accountability, emphasizing Israel’s alleged war crimes and genocide in Gaza, while public opinion among younger Jews reflects this sentiment.
From Woodstock to Vancouver: A Family Story in Nine Inch Nails https://www.changethelausd.com/from_woodstock_to_vancouver_a_family_story_in_nine_inch_nails
- The article recounts a multi-generational family connection to Nine Inch Nails (NIN), starting with a transformative experience at Woodstock '94, where the author's father unexpectedly became a fan of the band.
- The author reflects on the emotional journey from that chaotic Woodstock performance to a more refined and artful NIN concert in Vancouver decades later, highlighting Trent Reznor’s evolution as an artist.
- The Vancouver performance showcased a blend of raw emotion, cutting-edge staging, and precise musical execution, contrasting the chaos of Woodstock. Notable moments included a drum solo by Josh Freese and a poignant rendition of “Hurt.”
- The author ties the experience to personal family memories, including his son's performance of “Hurt” at his father’s funeral, completing a meaningful circle of connection through music.
Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s InsightsA Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
8-18-25
8-18-25
The article is a compilation of blog posts and news pieces covering education, politics, social justice, and technology. It explores topics such as AI integration in education, systemic racism, public school privatization, gun violence in schools, and the influence of corporate-driven policies. The content highlights critical issues, reforms, and the need for collective action to address societal inequities.
### Key Points
- School choice is criticized as a modern form of segregation, with privatization efforts undermining public education.
- Fictional AI systems Amy and Ian raise ethical concerns about neglecting human qualities in AI development.
- The Trump administration’s education policies, including DEI program eliminations and student loan caps, reshape federal-state dynamics.
- Teacher shortages, chronic absenteeism, and uncertified educators worsen the education crisis, prompting initiatives like “Grow Your Own.”
- AI integration in classrooms is debated, emphasizing its potential benefits and challenges.
- Gun violence in schools remains a critical issue, with Trump’s measures like arming teachers criticized as ineffective.
- Systemic racism persists in America, exacerbated by modern policies under Trump.
- Allegations link Trump to Epstein's network, raising questions about cover-ups and political fallout.
- Privatization and voucher systems raise concerns about public school funding and inequities.
- Diane Ravitch advocates for resisting privatization and improving public education.
- Arizona addresses school funding inequities, while Florida faces backlash over book bans and DEI policies.
- Writers are highlighted as key figures in resisting oppression and maintaining integrity amidst societal corruption.
- Trump’s Alaska Summit with Putin is criticized for undermining Ukraine and damaging U.S. global standing.
- Trump and Michael Mulgrew are compared for their leadership styles, focusing on loyalty demands and suppression of dissent.
- "Project 2027: Put It in Reverse Plan" proposes reversing harmful education policies like book bans and privatization.
- The cultural impact of the Blues Brothers movie is reflected upon, showcasing its role in revitalizing artists' careers.
- Public skepticism about AI in education remains a concern, but actionable strategies for educators are suggested.
