Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s InsightsA Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
8-22-25
8-22-25
Florida Federal Judge Orders "Alligator Alcatraz" to Close for Environmental Reasons https://dianeravitch.net/2025/08/22/florida-federal-judge-orders-alligator-alcatraz-to-close-for-environmental-reasons/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Judge Kathleen M. Williams orders the closure of "Alligator Alcatraz" due to environmental risks in the Everglades.
- The ruling is a victory for environmentalists and the Miccosukee Tribe, citing harm to wetlands and endangered species.
- The state filed an appeal, arguing the facility operates under state authority despite federal involvement.
- The judge emphasized the federal government's role in the project, making it subject to environmental laws.
Trump Regime Begins to Cancel Bilingual Education https://dianeravitch.net/2025/08/22/trump-regime-begins-to-cancel-bilingual-education/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- The Trump administration rescinded guidance requiring schools to accommodate English-language learners, alarming advocates.
- Federal agencies were directed to remove multilingual services following Trump's executive order declaring English the official language.
- The Education Department laid off workers and sought to terminate funding for English-language learner programs.
- Legal experts warn that these moves undermine decades of anti-discrimination protections under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.
- Critics argue these policies harm vulnerable groups, including immigrants, and disrupt public education.
Mississippi: Federal Judge Enjoins State Ban on DEI https://dianeravitch.net/2025/08/22/mississippi-federal-judge-enjoins-state-ban-on-dei/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Federal Judge Henry Wingate blocked Mississippi's ban on DEI programs in public schools, citing constitutional concerns.
- House Bill 1193 prohibited DEI programs, diversity statements, and teaching divisive concepts, but the court found it vague and viewpoint-biased.
- The injunction applies statewide to teachers, professors, and students, protecting academic freedom.
Big Education Ape: COLD OPEN: HUMANITY, AI, AND THE CARBON CLOCK: Why Rooftop Solar Is Our Best Bet https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/08/cold-open-humanity-ai-and-carbon-clock.html
Big Education Ape's article explores the intersection of humanity, AI, and climate change, emphasizing rooftop solar as a crucial solution to combat rising temperatures and support clean energy infrastructure. It highlights the benefits, challenges, and necessary policies to scale rooftop solar systems, while discussing AI's role in optimizing energy solutions globally.
### Key Points
- Rooftop solar is a cost-effective, resilient solution to reduce carbon emissions and stabilize the energy grid.
- Climate change projections show catastrophic impacts if emissions aren't peaked by the mid-2030s, with tipping points threatening ecosystems and humanity.
- AI can enhance renewable energy forecasting and optimize solar systems but requires clean energy to operate sustainably.
- Challenges include upfront costs, grid management issues, aesthetic concerns, and resistance from utility companies.
- Policy recommendations include mandatory solar installations, subsidies, battery incentives, and equitable access for low-income households.
- California's solar mandate serves as a model, demonstrating emissions reductions and economic benefits.
- Global examples show rooftop solar scalability, with countries like Germany and Australia leading adoption efforts.
Big Education Ape: TIME TO SUPERSIZE THE HOUSE: WHY THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES NEEDS A BIGGER SPEEDO (GERRYMANDERING) https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/08/time-to-supersize-house-why-us-house-of.html
The article argues for expanding the U.S. House of Representatives, highlighting that its current size of 435 members, set in 1929, inadequately represents a growing population of 340 million. This imbalance leads to disproportionately large districts, diminished constituent representation, and distorted democracy, exacerbated by gerrymandering. The piece advocates for reforms like the "Wyoming Rule" or "Cube Root Rule" to increase seats, improve representation, reduce campaign costs, and mitigate gerrymandering. It also addresses logistical concerns and political resistance while emphasizing grassroots efforts to push for change.
### Key Points
- The U.S. House of Representatives has remained at 435 seats since 1929, despite a quadrupled population, leading to oversized districts and diminished representation.
- Gerrymandering worsens the representation issue, distorting election outcomes through manipulative district designs.
- Expanding the House could reduce district sizes, improve fairness, and align with the Founders’ vision of proportional representation.
- Proposed reforms like the "Wyoming Rule" or "Cube Root Rule" could increase seats and enhance democracy without requiring a constitutional amendment.
- Critics cite logistical challenges, costs, and potential inefficiency, but solutions like new facilities and tech upgrades are feasible.
- Grassroots campaigns and advocacy are essential to drive the expansion of the House and combat gerrymandering.
Big Education Ape: AI MODELS IN THE CLASSROOM: POE-ETIC JUSTICE AND THE BATTLE OF THE BOTS https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/08/ai-models-in-classroom-poe-etic-justice.html
The article explores the integration of AI in education, focusing on its role in creative learning, such as teaching poetic meter and fostering critical thinking. It humorously compares AI-generated parodies of Edgar Allan Poe's "The Raven," highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of different AI models in creative tasks. The piece also examines the broader implications of AI in classrooms, including its potential as an educational ally or a disruptive force.
### Key Points
- AI models can create engaging pop quizzes and parodies, making learning more interactive and fun.
- Comparing AI outputs helps students learn poetic meter, rhyme schemes, and critical thinking skills.
- AI-generated parodies of "The Raven" reveal differences in tone, structure, and creativity among models.
- The use of AI in education can foster engagement and humor while teaching complex topics like poetic meter.
- Students can analyze AI biases, errors, and fabrications, which is essential in combating misinformation.
- AI's impact on education is explored, with debates on whether it serves as a Trojan horse or a teacher’s ally.
- The article humorously reimagines "The Raven" with political satire involving Trump, Putin, mail ballots, and Ukraine.
- The parody uses Poe’s trochaic octameter and rhyme scheme to blend gothic style with modern political humor.
- AI-driven creative tasks can highlight public perceptions and documented events without spreading falsehoods.
- The parody reflects Trump’s personality and political controversies, contrasting with Putin’s stoic demeanor.
Big Education Ape: AI MODELS IN THE CLASSROOM PART II: MATH POP QUIZZES AND THE PERILS OF TEACHER BOTS https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/08/ai-models-in-classroom-part-ii-math-pop.html
The article explores the integration of AI in classrooms, specifically focusing on the use of AI tools like Gemini Grok Copilot and ChatGPT for creating math pop quizzes. While AI shows promise in streamlining educational tasks, it raises concerns about the role of teachers, the limitations of AI, and the risks of replacing human educators with "teacher bots." The author emphasizes the importance of collaboration between teachers and AI developers to ensure technology enhances learning rather than undermines it.
### Key Points
- AI tools like Gemini Grok Copilot and ChatGPT are being used to create instant math quizzes for 5th graders, showcasing the potential of AI in education.
- Despite advancements, AI models like GPT-4.0 and GPT-5.0 still require teacher guidance to produce effective educational content.
- Teachers face a choice between paper and digital quizzes, each with its own pros and cons, but the decision should remain in their hands rather than AI's.
- Billionaire profiteers and tech developers, who lack classroom experience, may shape AI tools if teachers don’t take the lead in guiding their development.
- AI lacks the empathy and classroom management skills necessary to address students' individual needs and emotional challenges.
- Replacing teachers with bots would strip classrooms of the human connection essential for effective learning and student support.
- Teachers should collaborate with AI developers to design tools that complement their work, such as personalized lesson plans and instant feedback systems.
- AI in education should empower teachers rather than replace them, ensuring it serves as a supportive tool.
- Examples of AI-generated quizzes demonstrate the capabilities and limitations of current AI tools in creating educational content.
- The philosophical debate over AI's role in education highlights the need for careful integration guided by educators.
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
What I Learned from my Dad about Politics and How it Applies to 2026 https://teacherinastrangeland.blog/2025/08/22/what-i-learned-from-my-dad-about-politics-and-how-it-applies-to-2026/ via @nancyflanagan
- The author reflects on political insights learned from their father and how these apply to modern American politics, particularly the 2026 elections and Trump's supporters.
- Jess Piper, a former teacher turned political figure, provides valuable perspectives on why working-class voters often support policies against their own interests.
- The author's father, a WWII veteran, expressed resentment towards perceived societal inequalities and voted for George Wallace in 1968, influenced by grievances and cultural fears.
- The connection is drawn between Wallace's appeal in the 1960s and Trump's current support base, highlighting themes of cultural norms, fear, and resentment.
- The author shares personal struggles in attempting to change their father's political views, emphasizing generational and ideological divides.
- The piece questions the role of modern media in shaping Trump voters' opinions and explores challenges in changing entrenched beliefs.
Anniversary of Blog https://larrycuban.wordpress.com/2025/08/22/16th-anniversary-of-blog/ via @CubanLarry
- Larry Cuban celebrates the 16th anniversary of his blog, thanking readers and reflecting on his journey of writing about school reform and classroom practice.
- He started the blog in 2009, encouraged by his daughter, and has adhered to three rules: keeping posts concise, writing clearly about school reform, and supporting positions with evidence.
- Writing serves as both a learning and teaching process for Cuban, involving research, drafting, and revising, as well as engaging with readers’ feedback and comments.
- Cuban highlights the importance of historical context in understanding and addressing current school reform policies, emphasizing the need to learn from past efforts.
- He introduced monthly humor posts in 2011 featuring cartoons about school reform, which have added a lighthearted element to his blog.
- Cuban expresses gratitude to his readers for their engagement and support over the years, noting that none of his posts have been generated by artificial intelligence.
Teacher Tom: Restoring the Rhythm https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2025/08/restoring-rhythm.html
### Key Points
- Two preschoolers engaged in rhythmic play at a water pump, using small containers to fill and dump water into the sand, until one discovered a larger bucket, disrupting their harmony.
- The larger bucket led to conflict, but the boy using it created a "river" and "waterfall" in a sandpit channel, inspiring his companion to learn and replicate the process.
- Through observation and imitation, the second boy adapted by using a larger container, restoring their rhythm and collaborative play.
- The blog emphasizes play-based learning and its ability to teach problem-solving, cooperation, and creativity in preschoolers.
Why Universities Keep Failing Native Students—and What We Tried to Do About It – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/08/22/why-universities-keep-failing-native-students-and-what-we-tried-to-do-about-it/
### Key Points
- The article discusses systemic marginalization of Native American communities in universities, highlighting dismissive attitudes and ignorance about their presence and needs.
- It critiques performative inclusion and emphasizes the importance of sustained commitment to Indigenous communities, addressing obligations tied to the lands universities occupy.
- The author shares experiences at Western Michigan University, where initiatives like “Empowering Indigenous Futures” and a Truth and Healing panel were launched to amplify Native voices and foster healing.
- Collaboration with Native scholars and artist Frank Waln enriched the work, showcasing the interconnected nature of Indigenous knowledge systems and emphasizing reciprocity in education.
- The article highlights resistance to structural changes within academic leadership and the persistence required to counter misinformation and apathy.
- It stresses the enduring impact of initiatives, even after leadership changes, and the importance of partnerships that go beyond token gestures.
- The interdisciplinary approach of the projects bridged education, culture, and activism, creating spaces for Native students to celebrate their culture and fostering deeper connections across campus.
- The author calls for universities to move from symbolic inclusion to genuine partnership and sustained commitments, rooted in history, treaty rights, and moral responsibility.
🍩 Donuts, Loyalty Oaths, and a Mascot: What the Hell Is Going On at MNPS? https://norinrad10.com/2025/08/22/%f0%9f%8d%a9-donuts-loyalty-oaths-and-a-mascot-what-the-hell-is-going-on-at-mnps/ via @norinrad10
- Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) leadership meeting turned into an unusual loyalty rally featuring donuts, weapon detectors, chants, and a mascot, seemingly aimed at bolstering embattled Superintendent Dr. Adrienne Battle’s image amidst controversy.
- Dr. Battle faces criticism following a $6.5 million retaliation lawsuit settlement involving former MNPS officials, raising concerns about leadership ethics and priorities.
- The meeting included praise from four Nashville mayors, which blurred the lines between political influence and the semi-autonomous governance of MNPS, violating Metro Charter principles.
- Principals were pressured to sign pre-written praise cards for Dr. Battle, raising fears of potential retaliation for dissent, reminiscent of issues highlighted in the lawsuit.
- Extravagant spending, such as a $165,000 office renovation for Dr. Battle, adds to the optics problem, especially while teachers face resource shortages.
- Tennessee’s public school funding compared to private school vouchers sparks debate, with advocates highlighting discrepancies in funding calculations.
- Students are reportedly using burner phones to bypass MNPS classroom phone bans, reflecting a growing trend among high schoolers.
Education Research Report: Education gap linked to differences in biological aging https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/2025/08/education-gap-linked-to-differences-in.html
- Americans with less education are aging biologically faster than their peers with more schooling, and this gap has grown over the last 30 years.
- Biological aging provides a clearer picture of health compared to chronological age, showing disparities in health risks and longevity.
- Using data from two periods (1988–1994 and 2015–2018), researchers found that the biological aging gap between less-educated and highly-educated adults nearly doubled.
- Improvements in population health are not equally shared, with slower biological aging benefiting those with higher education levels.
- Education impacts health by influencing jobs, income, living conditions, access to healthcare, and healthier behaviors.
- The study found that differences in smoking, obesity, or medication use did not explain the widening aging gap, suggesting education itself plays the biggest role.
- Educational inequality may lead to shorter lifespans and more years spent in poor health for less-educated individuals, creating challenges for families, communities, and health systems.
- Addressing education as a public health investment could help reduce health disparities.
KIPP NYC College Prep Cheats (again!) On US News & World Report Rankings https://garyrubinstein.wordpress.com/2025/08/22/kipp-nyc-college-prep-cheats-again-on-us-news-world-report-rankings/ via @garyrubinstein
- Gary Rubinstein exposes alleged fraudulent practices by KIPP NYC College Prep in manipulating US News & World Report high school rankings.
- KIPP NYC College Prep reportedly splits its students into two middle schools, KIPP Academy and KIPP Infinity, falsely presenting them as high schools with skewed AP test pass rates.
- This manipulation results in one "high school" (KIPP Academy) achieving a 100% AP pass rate, while the other (KIPP Infinity) shows a 0% pass rate.
- Rubinstein highlights prior instances of KIPP being disqualified from rankings due to similar practices, questioning their ethical standards and transparency.
- The blogger urges KIPP staff and the public to report this alleged fraud to US News & World Report for accountability.
August’s Parent Engagement Resources | Engaging Parents In School… https://engagingparentsinschool.edublogs.org/2025/08/22/augusts-parent-engagement-resources-3/
- The article focuses on resources and strategies for enhancing parent engagement in schools, including ideas for effective communication, back-to-school events, and inspirational messages from school leaders.
- It highlights books authored by Larry Ferlazzo, such as "Self-Driven Learning" and "The ESL/ELL Teacher's Survival Guide," which provide strategies for student motivation and teaching English language learners.
- The website offers subscription options for receiving updates via email and emphasizes spam-free communication protected by reCAPTCHA.
USSYP Intent to Apply and Application Instructions - United States Senate Youth Program (CA Dept of Education) https://www.cde.ca.gov/eo/in/us/ussypinstrctns2026.asp
### Key Points
- Students must complete an Intent to Apply form for the 2026 U.S. Senate Youth Program (USSYP) and meet specific eligibility criteria, including demonstrated leadership, enrollment in high school, U.S. citizenship, and residency in California during the 2025-26 academic year.
- Applicants must attend Washington Week in person from March 7–14, 2026, and submit the Intent to Apply form by noon on September 22, 2025. Late submissions will not be accepted.
- The application process involves two parts: Part A (submission of required documents like transcripts, letters of recommendation, and forms) and Part B (survey application, exam, and video presentation). Both parts must be completed by October 20, 2025, at noon.
- Student interviews via Zoom may be conducted as the final stage of the selection process. Incomplete or late submissions will be disqualified, and additional materials beyond the required elements will not be evaluated.
- The USSYP is an annual scholarship competition administered by the California Department of Education, offering leadership opportunities for high school students.
10th Period: Unconstitutional Voucher Program Can't Be Fixed Easily | National Education Policy Center https://nepc.colorado.edu/blog/unconstitutional
### Key Points
- Ohio's EdChoice voucher program is deemed unconstitutional due to funding religious schools with public money.
- The program diverts funds from public schools, failing to fully support 1.5 million public school students.
- Voucher amounts have been arbitrarily increased over the years, creating inequities in funding compared to public schools.
- Legislative fixes, such as fully funding public schools or restricting voucher use, are suggested but considered unlikely given current leadership.
- The author advocates for eliminating EdChoice and reallocating funds to public schools to comply with legal rulings.
Seattle Schools Community Forum: Seattle Times Op-Ed Takes Some Swings at Highly Capable https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2025/08/seattle-times-op-ed-takes-some-swings.html?spref=tw
### Key Points
- The Seattle Times op-ed criticizes the "Highly Capable Cohort" program for its exclusivity and racial inequities, attributing fault to the district's management.
- Rainier Beach High School's rebuild ranks as the third most expensive public high school construction in the U.S., raising concerns about resource allocation.
- Some Seattle high schools, like Ingraham and Chief Sealth, still lack comprehensive rebuilds despite upgrades at other schools.
- Issues of nepotism and favoritism in staffing and promotions within the district are highlighted as ongoing concerns.
- Past discussions on advanced learning services and school boundaries remain relevant, with differing opinions among stakeholders.
Netanyahu's 'no starvation' lie amounts to a rhetorical war crime. Who dare call it genocide? https://michaelklonsky.substack.com/p/netanyahus-no-starvation-lie-amounts
### Key Points
- Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu denies starvation in Gaza, claiming food shortages are exaggerated and blaming medical misrepresentation.
- Aid organizations and the World Health Organization report catastrophic shortages of food, water, and medicine, warning of mass starvation and severe malnutrition among vulnerable groups.
- Netanyahu employs tactics to discredit evidence of famine, reframing the crisis and accusing media of vilification.
- U.S. political divisions emerge as some Democrats oppose Israel's actions, with figures like Bernie Sanders condemning the Gaza operations as extermination.
- Progressive Democrats push back against military support for Israel, signaling a shift in party dynamics.
THIS IS IMPORTANT by teacherken https://www.dailykos.com/story/2025/8/22/2339779/-THIS-IS-IMPORTANT?pm_campaign=blog&pm_medium=rss&pm_source=teacherken
- The article raises concerns about the firing of flag officers and the nomination of replacements who might support unconstitutional military actions, potentially enabling Trump to act as a dictator.
- The author emphasizes the importance of preserving democracy and calls for Democratic senators to place holds on these nominations.
- The piece highlights the oath taken by government officials to defend the Constitution against all enemies, urging Congress and the Supreme Court to fulfill their responsibilities.
- Various community members express agreement and stress the critical nature of this issue for the future of democracy.
- Additional trending topics include Russian conflicts, Trump’s controversial actions, environmental issues, and critiques of healthcare and governance under Trump.
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Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s InsightsA Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
8-21-25
8-21-25
The article is a compilation of various blog posts and news pieces discussing education, democracy, AI integration, political controversies, and societal challenges. It highlights systemic issues in public education, the role of AI, political influence on historical narratives, and the privatization of schools, offering insights into the broader implications for democracy and equity.
### Key Points
- A New York City KIPP High School is accused of manipulating rankings in the US News & World Report.
- Americans with less education are aging faster biologically, according to a study by USC researchers.
- Carol Burris critiques the charter school movement’s decline due to corruption, low enrollment, and lack of accountability.
- Oklahoma introduces a test for teachers from California and New York to screen for "radical leftist ideology," raising legal and ethical concerns.
- Trump seeks to revise Smithsonian exhibits to focus on positive portrayals of American history, minimizing slavery and racism narratives.
- The U.S. Supreme Court approves cuts to NIH research grants targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion projects, sparking ethical debates.
- Rooftop solar is emphasized as a critical solution to combat climate change, with AI playing a supportive role in optimizing energy systems.
- Expanding the U.S. House of Representatives is proposed to improve representation and reduce gerrymandering.
- AI models in classrooms are explored for creative learning but raise concerns about replacing teachers and systemic bias.
- School choice policies are critiqued as exacerbating segregation and privatization, undermining public education.
- Minnesota Vikings introduce male cheerleaders, sparking backlash from conservative commentators.
- Trump criticizes museums for teaching the brutal history of slavery, aiming to control historical narratives.
- Teacher Tom reflects on child-led play and its importance for creativity and collaboration.
- Studies highlight issues like bullying, media literacy gaps, and police presence in schools, impacting student mental health and equity.
- Pennsylvania campaign contributions reveal significant influence from charter school operators and privatization advocates.
- AI integration in education perpetuates inequality, emphasizing the need for human-centered practices.
- UFT retirees face premiums for prescription care, causing financial strain compared to other city unions.
- Florida’s public schools face privatization threats through Education Savings Accounts and fragmented systems.
- California updates on accountability workplans, assessment systems, and student score reports.
- Chronic absenteeism in California schools drops due to family engagement strategies.
- Standardized tests like NAEP fail to address systemic educational issues.
- AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini Grok Copilot show promise but require collaboration with teachers for balanced integration.
