Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s InsightsA Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
8-18-25
8-18-25
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
### Key Points
- AI's potential as either a Trojan Horse or an ally in education is debated.
- Racism in America persists, highlighted by stories like "The President Wears a Sheet."
- Public schools face privatization challenges from billionaire-driven policies.
- Diane Ravitch advocates for resistance against privatization and improving public education.
Big Education Ape: TOP EDUCATION NEWS THIS WEEK ACCORDING TO AI - DON’T FEAR THE REAPER: TAMING THE AI BEAST TO MAKE IT YOUR CLASSROOM SIDEKICK https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/08/top-education-news-this-week-according.html
The article explores the integration of AI into education, highlighting key developments, challenges, and diverse perspectives from four AI engines (Gemini, Grok, ChatGPT 5, and Copilot). It delves into education policy shifts, legal battles over DEI programs, teacher shortages, global education trends, and the role of AI in classrooms. The piece emphasizes the importance of using AI critically and creatively while providing actionable strategies for educators.
### Key Points
- The Trump administration’s push for state-led education initiatives and the "One Big, Beautiful Bill" capping student loans are reshaping federal-state dynamics in education.
- Legal challenges to Trump’s attempts to eliminate DEI programs highlight ongoing tensions in equity and inclusion policies.
- The successful beta test of the 2026-27 FAFSA in Florida marks progress in simplifying financial aid processes.
- Civil rights investigations in Baltimore and Kansas schools focus on equity and safety issues, with broader implications for Title IX and transgender rights.
- Teacher shortages remain a critical issue, with chronic absenteeism and uncertified educators worsening the crisis. Programs like “Grow Your Own” aim to address this.
- AI is increasingly integrated into education, with mandates for K-12 AI policies and pilot programs showcasing its potential and challenges. Public skepticism remains a concern.
- Global education trends include Tamil Nadu’s policy shifts, Pakistan’s mobile data blackout, and India’s emphasis on vocational and tech education.
- Quirky classroom issues like water bottle chaos and debates over realistic safety drills reflect the evolving challenges in schools.
- Comparing AI responses reveals biases and strengths, offering educators a nuanced way to analyze information.
- Strategies for using AI effectively in classrooms include cross-checking sources, embracing AI quirks, and teaching critical thinking.
Big Education Ape: WHILE SIDESHOW DON PLAYS TOUGH GUY IN DC, OUR SCHOOLS REMAIN SITTING DUCKS https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/08/while-sideshow-don-plays-tough-guy-in.html
Big Education Ape: The article critiques the lack of meaningful action on school safety amidst recurring gun violence. It highlights the release of chilling details from the 2022 Uvalde school shooting, the inefficacy of measures like arming teachers, and the political distractions under Trump’s administration. The focus is on the urgent need for comprehensive gun reform and accountability to prevent future tragedies.
### Key Points
- Gun violence in schools remains a pressing issue, with the 2022 Uvalde shooting exposing systemic failures in response and prevention.
- Trump’s proposed school safety measures, such as arming teachers, are criticized as impractical and ineffective.
- Mental health initiatives and gun reform efforts were undermined during Trump’s administration, despite evidence supporting their effectiveness.
- Trump's federal takeover of Washington, DC’s police force is labeled as political theater, distracting from the real issue of gun violence.
- The article stresses the need for stricter gun control measures, such as universal background checks and assault weapon bans, to address the root causes of school shootings.
Big Education Ape: The President Wears a Sheet: A Tale of Racism’s Relentless Reboot in America https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/08/the-president-wears-sheet-tale-of.html
CURMUDGUCATION: ICYMI: Getting Back To It Edition (8/17) https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2025/08/icymi-getting-back-to-it-edition-817.html
### Main Ideas
- The author reflects on returning to work after vacation and acknowledges the challenges educators face as the school year begins.
- Florida Republicans demand the resignation of a gay school board member due to his involvement with a Pride organization.
- Arizona's Supreme Court invalidates a flawed school funding method, joining other states in addressing funding inequities.
- A federal judge rules against a Trump-era directive on DEI policies in schools, deeming it unlawful.
- Michael Pershan emphasizes the social nature of learning in math education, as reported by Audrey Watters.
- Nancy Bailey discusses strategies to reduce truancy rates and improve overall school environments.
- Widespread tax cuts weaken the social contract, impacting schools indirectly, analyzed by Jan Resseger.
- A Michigan judge allows a school librarian's lawsuit against a Moms for Liberty member to proceed.
- Doug Wilson, an evangelical pastor profiled in the NYT, advocates controversial views, including replacing women's voting rights.
- A judge dismisses most of Florida's book ban law, marking progress against censorship.
- Reflections on the cultural impact of the Blues Brothers movie, highlighting its role in revitalizing artists' careers.
- Various blog posts and articles explore education-related topics, including AI, vouchers, truancy, and teacher loyalty tests.
glen brown: "After ordering the occupation of DC, Trump threatened to send federal troops to NYC, Baltimore and Oakland" https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/08/after-ordering-occupation-of-dc-trump.html
### Key Points
- Trump’s use of racial stereotypes and military occupation of cities to distract from systemic corruption and looting of public resources.
- Criticism of using the military against American citizens and the historic lows in crime rates in targeted cities.
- Ethnic cleansing and economic displacement of Black populations in Washington, D.C., driven by real estate policies and political strategies.
- Military personnel’s higher crime rates compared to civilians, raising concerns about increased crime due to troop deployment in D.C.
- Trump’s controversial remarks and actions during press conferences, including plans to visit Russia and comments on D.C.’s condition.
- Broader critiques of systemic corruption involving industries like Pharma, oil, weapons, and lobbying groups.
- References to historical figures and their warnings about standing armies threatening liberty.
glen brown: War Crimes Against Those Who Risk Everything to Tell the Truth https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/08/war-crimes-against-those-who-risk.html
### Key Points
- The assassination of journalist Anas al-Sharif by Israeli forces is described as a war crime and part of a genocidal strategy against Palestinians.
- Netanyahu’s regime is criticized for its fascist policies, including ethnic cleansing and suppression of truth.
- The article reflects on the role of writers in resisting oppression and maintaining integrity amidst societal corruption.
- Broader themes include American politics, environmental crises, healthcare, social justice, and the impact of autocratic leaders like Trump.
glen brown: "Sickening. Shameful. And in the end, useless" https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/08/sickening-shameful-and-in-end-useless.html
### Key Points
- The article criticizes Donald Trump's handling of the Alaska Summit with Vladimir Putin, highlighting Trump's failure to secure meaningful agreements on Ukraine and his submissive treatment of Putin.
- The Russian delegation mocked the peace talks, signaling their disregard for Ukraine's independence and their strategic aim to undermine U.S. alliances.
- The summit portrayed a stark contrast in Trump’s treatment of Ukraine’s President Zelensky versus Putin, showcasing Trump's inability to confront Putin's aggressive policies.
- Trump’s actions are seen as damaging to America's global standing, with the summit serving as a propaganda victory for Putin.
- The article ties Trump’s behavior to broader concerns about his moral collapse, alleged crimes, and his impact on U.S. democracy.
Separated at Birth Mulgrew and Trump--the GOP and Unity https://arthurgoldstein.substack.com/p/separated-at-birth
### Key Points
- The article compares the leadership styles of Donald Trump and Michael Mulgrew, highlighting their shared demand for loyalty and tendencies to dismiss dissenters.
- Both Trump and Mulgrew have been accused of creating bureaucratic obstacles, such as red tape in Medicaid and complex co-pay reimbursement processes in union programs, to hinder accessibility.
- Allegations of election manipulation are discussed, with Trump seeking gerrymandering in red states and Mulgrew’s Unity Caucus accused of suppressing voter participation and altering election rules.
- The article critiques Unity's handling of Medicare Advantage and its perceived betrayal of union members by lobbying against protective measures like 1096.
- Similarities between Trump’s legal threats and Unity's alleged intimidation tactics are explored, including lawsuits and actions against critics.
- The author describes both Trump and Unity Caucus as cult-like entities, emphasizing loyalty over principles and punishing dissenters.
Calling for Project 2027: Put It in Reverse Plan – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/08/17/calling-for-project-2027-put-it-in-reverse/
- The article criticizes "Project 2025," a political and educational agenda, arguing that it leads to harmful policies like banning books, cutting teacher funding, privatizing schools, and prioritizing profit over public investment.
- It proposes "Project 2027: Put It in Reverse Plan," advocating for reversing these harmful policies by un-banning books, restoring school funding, improving teacher salaries, and reducing political micromanagement in education.
- The author calls for a coalition of teachers, parents, unions, civil rights groups, and others to develop a new blueprint for protecting democracy and ensuring equitable education.
- The article emphasizes the importance of reversing reckless political decisions to prioritize public investment, equity, and justice in education.
- The author uses humor and analogies to highlight the urgency of reversing harmful policies, comparing it to slamming a car into reverse to avoid disaster.
Schools Matter: Why is Donald Trump refusing to release the Epstein files? | 60 Minutes Australia ... http://www.schoolsmatter.info/2025/08/why-is-donald-trump-refusing-to-release.html
### Key Points
- Donald Trump's promise to release Epstein files resonated with supporters but was later reversed, causing backlash.
- Epstein and Trump shared a history of social interactions, raising questions about their relationship.
- Allegations from Maria Farmer and Teresa Helm link Trump to Epstein's network, intensifying scrutiny.
- Trump's handling of the files has led to accusations of cover-ups, with some supporters abandoning him.
- Analysts are divided on whether the scandal will harm Trump's political future.
Choosing Democracy: Working to End the Trump/Fascist Power Grab. https://choosingdemocracy.blogspot.com/2025/08/working-to-end-trumpfascist-power-grab.html
Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s InsightsA Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
8-17-25
8-17-25
The article is a compilation of various blog posts and news pieces covering education, politics, social justice, and technology. It touches on topics such as AI integration in education, gun violence in schools, systemic racism, public school privatization, 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
- Diane Ravitch condemns Trump's preferential treatment of Putin and exclusion of Zelensky and the EU from critical discussions regarding Ukraine.
- Amy and Ian, fictional AI systems raised as "children," highlight ethical concerns about neglecting human qualities in AI development.
- AI's role in education 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.
- Socioeconomic disparities impact public schools, and charter schools often fail to outperform public schools despite prioritization.
- A federal judge ruled against parts of Florida's book banning law, supporting free speech and First Amendment protections.
- Pennsylvania's cyber charter schools profit heavily while resisting transparency and reform efforts.
- School vouchers and privatization efforts raise concerns about public school funding and inequities.
- Systemic racism in America persists, with modern policies under Trump exacerbating historical inequities.
- Older siblings and friends play crucial roles in helping children navigate safety risks in online gaming platforms.
- Larry Cuban criticizes market-driven policies in public schools for undermining moral and cultural values.
- Zohran Mamdani campaigns in conservative territories, advocating for immigrant rights and progressive politics.
