OCTOBER 23, 2025
- Ongoing Government Shutdown Enters Third Week: The U.S. federal government shutdown, triggered by disputes over spending and ACA subsidies, continues to disrupt services nationwide. Furloughed workers are receiving food aid in states like California, where Governor Newsom deployed the National Guard to support food banks, and the SSA delayed its 2026 COLA announcement to October 24 amid the crisis.
- Backlash Against AI Data Centers Grows: Small U.S. communities, particularly in Michigan, are protesting the rapid expansion of AI-powered data centers due to soaring energy costs and water usage, pitting locals against Big Tech developers.
- Philadelphia Homicide Clearance Rate Hits Record High: Violent crime has dropped sharply in Philadelphia, with police solving homicides at the highest rate since 1984, linked to improved investigations and community efforts.
- Tropical Storm Melissa Spares Mainland U.S.: The storm is expected to avoid landfall, bringing relief after recent weather threats, though coastal watches remain in place.
- Shutdown Stalemate Over ACA Subsidies Intensifies: House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries warns that expiring Obamacare subsidies will spike health costs, urging public pressure on Congress as the shutdown hits its third week; President Trump demands DOJ reimbursement of $230 million from prior probes.
- Trump Nominee Withdraws Amid Racist Text Scandal: President Trump's pick for Office of Special Counsel, a 30-year-old lawyer, withdrew after leaked texts revealed offensive comments, including a "Nazi streak" reference; Senate leaders confirm he won't pass confirmation.
- House Republicans Push to Prosecute Ex-Intelligence Official: Aligning with Trump's agenda against political foes, GOP leaders recommend charges against a former official, escalating partisan legal battles.
- NYC Mayoral Debate Heats Up: Top candidates clash over experience and handling Trump, following Mayor Eric Adams' campaign suspension amid controversies.
- Putin Orders Russian Nuclear Drills as Trump Summit Delayed: Russian President Vladimir Putin directed exercises for nuclear forces amid stalled talks with U.S. President Trump, heightening global tensions; separately, Trump reiterated claims India will halt Russian oil imports by year-end, denied by New Delhi.
- Global Forest Loss Alarms Rise: The 2025 Forest Declaration Assessment reports persistent high deforestation rates with no improvement, urging urgent action on climate commitments off-track from Paris Agreement goals.
- DRC Humanitarian Crisis Worsens: UN officials warn of rampant insecurity trapping women and girls in one of the world's worst crises, amid calls for immediate aid.
- Brazil Bus Crash Kills 15: A passenger bus overturned in northeastern Brazil, highlighting ongoing road safety issues in the region.
- AI Tools Revolutionize U.S. Classrooms: By October 2025, AI integration in education surges, with tools like Microsoft 365 Copilot boosting student learning by 275% in some districts; free access for students ends October 31, spurring adoption for personalized tutoring and admin efficiency.
- 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholars Announced: The Department of Education honors 161 students for academic excellence, leadership, and community service.
- NYSED Releases 2025 Test Data: The New York State Education Department publishes 75% of questions and reports from Grades 3-8 ELA, math, and science exams, aiding instructional improvements.
- Global Dyslexia Screening Advances: Education Week highlights new AI-driven tools for early detection, with webinars on future-proofing special education.
- U.S. Budget Deficit Dips in FY2025: Tariffs and cuts to education spending help reduce the deficit, though debt payments hit records; Fed's Waller supports an October rate cut amid cooling inflation.
- China's Q3 GDP Slows to Weakest in a Year: Growth at 4.6% relies heavily on exports amid weak domestic demand, fueling calls for stimulus at the Communist Party plenum; factory deflation entrenches structural risks.
- Global PMI Signals Solid but Slowing Growth: September's index indicates 2.7% annualized expansion, below pre-pandemic averages, as U.S. tariffs delay trade impacts via stockpiling.
- IMF Warns of Tariff-Driven Uncertainty: Chief Economist Georgieva calls volatility the "new normal," with global growth holding at 3% but risks tilted downward.
- Meta Secures $27B for World's Largest Data Center: The financing with Blue Owl Capital accelerates AI infrastructure amid a global race for computing power.
- OpenAI Launches AI Browser Atlas: The new tool challenges Google Chrome with advanced AI features for search and productivity.
- Apple October Event Rumors: M5 iPad Pro Incoming: Leaks suggest an updated iPad Pro with M5 chip, refreshed Vision Pro, and more at a potential mid-October reveal.
- McKinsey's 2025 Tech Trends: AI Dominates: The report ranks 13 trends, emphasizing quantum, electrification, and AI's role in reshaping industries, with data on patents and investments surging.
- Shingles Vaccine Cuts Dementia, Heart Risks: New research shows vaccination reduces dementia by 20%, heart disease by 17%, and overall mortality in adults over 50.
- WHO: 1 in 3 Globally Faces Neurological Issues: Over 3 billion people affected, causing 11 million deaths yearly; nations urged to bolster preparedness amid rising cases.
- Lead Contamination in Protein Powders: Consumer Reports finds high lead in over two-thirds of tested shakes, raising safety concerns for popular supplements.
- New Cancer Therapy Halts Tumors Safely: A breakthrough targets growth without harming healthy cells, offering hope for precise treatments.
- NBA Season Tips Off with High Drama: Luka Dončić drops 43 points in Mavs' loss to Warriors (119-109) sans LeBron; Thunder edge Rockets in double-OT after ring ceremony.
- MLB World Series Looms: Postseason heats up with ALCS/NLCS action; Blue Jays dominate Yankees amid U.S.-Canada tensions, as hot rods invade NJ beaches for a unique motorsport spectacle.
- NFL Injury Updates: Eagles' A.J. Brown Sidelined: Star WR misses practice with injury; Falcons' Bijan Robinson hailed as "best player in football" after Bills win.
- Arsenal Crushes Atletico in UCL: Gunners run riot in Champions League, while college football playoff projections shift after Week 8 upsets.
Book Review :: An Education: How I Changed My Mind About Schools and Almost Everything Else by Diane Ravitch - NewPages.com https://www.newpages.com/blog/books/book-reviews/an-education-by-diane-ravitch/
An Education: How I Changed My Mind About Schools and Almost Everything Else: Ravitch, Diane: 9780231220293: Amazon.com: Books https://www.amazon.com/Education-Changed-Schools-Almost-Everything/dp/0231220294?
Big Education Ape: WHO’S AFRAID OF THE BIG BAD DEMOCRATIC SOCIALIST WOLF? (SPOILER: IT’S THE BILLIONAIRE PIGGIES) https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/10/whos-afraid-of-big-bad-democratic.html
### Key Points
- Larry Cuban critiques the use of selective evidence in evaluating the Common Core Standards' influence on teaching.
- Zohran Mamdani’s campaign as a Democratic Socialist mayoral candidate in NYC emphasizes affordable housing, free public transit, and economic justice, resonating with working-class voters.
- Billionaire-backed opponents and centrist critics failed to suppress Mamdani’s grassroots movement, which reflects a broader progressive shift in U.S. politics.
- Mamdani’s victory challenges the entrenched political and economic systems, advocating for a more equitable society.
Big Education Ape: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 MORNING NEWS UPDATE: OCTOBER 22, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/10/tuesday-october-21-2025-morning-news.html
### Key Points
- The U.S. government shutdown continues, causing job losses and service delays.
- Protests against AI data centers emerge due to energy and water concerns.
- Russia-Ukraine conflict escalates with drone attacks and energy infrastructure damage.
- Education highlights include Montessori programs improving outcomes, Milwaukee charter school successes, and U.S. Presidential Scholars recognition.
- Technological advancements include Meta's AI infrastructure funding, OpenAI's browser launch, and Xerox's new digital presses.
- Health breakthroughs feature targeted cancer therapies and low-dose radiation for osteoarthritis.
- Global issues include Middle East peace talks, climate health programs in Africa, and India's monsoon challenges.
- Sports updates cover NBA season openers and other major games.
Big Education Ape: TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POST OCTOBER 22, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/10/todays-top-news-yesterdays-best-blog_01944278517.html
### Key Points
- Larry Cuban examines the impact of Common Core Standards on teaching practices, questioning whether they have truly changed classroom methods.
- North Carolina's voucher program is criticized for favoring religious schools, reflecting a shift in the state's educational priorities since 2010.
- Public Montessori programs demonstrate improved early learning outcomes at lower costs, based on a national randomized trial.
- Philadelphia sees a decline in violent crime and improved homicide clearance rates, showcasing effective urban policing efforts.
- The Social Security Administration delays its 2026 cost-of-living adjustment announcement due to the government shutdown, with a projected 2.7% increase.
- Miami launches an underwater art reef project blending environmental restoration and tourism.
- The U.S. federal government shutdown enters its 21st day, affecting operations and raising political tensions.
- No Trump-Putin summit is planned, despite recent diplomatic communications.
- Gaza's famine worsens as aid remains restricted, with calls for reopening border crossings.
- AI tools like Microsoft's Copilot enhance U.S. classroom learning, but most states lack clear guidelines for AI integration.
- India's post-Diwali school reopenings vary due to heavy rains in some states.
- A breakthrough cancer therapy targets tumor growth without harming healthy cells, offering a less invasive treatment option.
- Diane Ravitch releases her memoir, "An Education," documenting her shift from conservative education reform to defending public schools.
- Trump demands $230 million from the Justice Department for investigations against him, citing alleged violations of his rights.
- Trump's "Compact for Academic Excellence" is rejected by most universities, citing threats to academic freedom.
- AI's copyright and liability issues spark global debates, with proposals like the EU's AI Act aiming for regulation.
- Seattle Public Schools face lawsuits over teacher misconduct and lack of transparency in leadership decisions.
- Advocacy for a "children-first" policy approach emphasizes prioritizing children's rights and well-being over adult-centric framing.
- The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded to María Corina Machado for her advocacy for democracy in Venezuela.
- "No Kings" protests highlight resistance to authoritarianism and support for democracy across the U.S.
Big Education Ape: OH, WHAT A TANGLED WEB WE WEAVE: THE LEGAL TANGLES OF AI IN A BRAVE NEW WORLD https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/10/oh-what-tangled-web-we-weave-legal.html
### Key Points
- AI copyright debates focus on authorship and ownership of AI-generated works, with U.S. law reserving copyright for human-created content.
- Global differences in AI copyright recognition, with China and the EU taking distinct approaches.
- Legal disputes arise over AI training data usage, with creators and media outlets suing AI companies over unauthorized use.
- Deepfakes raise issues of defamation, impersonation, and liability, prompting legislative proposals like the No AI FRAUD Act.
- Businesses face challenges in branding with AI-generated logos and slogans due to copyright and trademark concerns.
- Liability for AI-related errors remains unclear, with traditional tort laws struggling to adapt to AI's complexity.
- Efforts to regulate AI include proposals like the Generative AI Copyright Disclosure Act and the EU's AI Act.
Big Education Ape: MORNING NEWS UPDATE: OCTOBER 21, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/10/morning-news-update-october-21-2025.html
A Presidency of Fear and Control: How a University Lost Its Moral Compass – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/10/22/a-presidency-of-fear-and-control-how-a-university-lost-its-moral-compass/
### Key Points
- The article critiques Indiana University under President Pamela Whitten for undermining student journalism and free expression, highlighting the closure of the Indiana Daily Student newspaper and the firing of its media director for refusing censorship.
- Whitten’s administration is accused of prioritizing control over community, as seen in the militarized response to peaceful student protests about Gaza, including the involvement of state police with sniper capabilities.
- The leadership style under Whitten is described as rigid and detached, with decisions marked by secrecy and a focus on optics rather than collaboration and trust-building.
- The article contrasts IU’s actions with Purdue University’s student journalists, who stood in solidarity with IU’s silenced student press, emphasizing the importance of amplifying student voices.
- The author argues that IU’s current leadership has eroded the university’s values of shared governance, critical thought, and educational community, replacing them with fear and suppression.
Seattle Schools Community Forum: The Stranger Endorses Jen LaVallee for School Board https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2025/10/the-stranger-endorses-jen-lavallee-for.html?spref=tw
### Key Points
- The Stranger endorses Jen LaVallee for the Seattle School Board, highlighting her activism against school closures, advocacy for public education funding, and commitment to equity.
- LaVallee’s opponent, Carol Rava, has extensive experience in education policy but faced criticism for her stance on certain issues, such as School Resource Officers and union partnerships.
- Concerns about nepotism within Seattle Public Schools are raised, particularly regarding promotions based on personal connections.
- Past discussions on advanced learning services and high school boundaries are noted as significant topics in the district.
Seattle Schools Community Forum: The Seattle School Board Needs To Do Right by the ... https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2025/10/the-seattle-school-board-needs-to-do.html?spref=tw
Education Word/Phrase Of The Month: “Agency” Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... | The latest news and resources in education since 2007 https://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/
### Key Points
- Monthly feature addition: “Word/Phrase Of The Month” and other educational updates.
- Critique of education research and a focus on practical applications for students.
- Weekly resources and visualizations on poverty and other societal issues.
- Curated multimedia resources on global topics like nuclear warheads and endangered species.
- Insights on successful innovators and their approaches to disruption.
- Regular ESL/EFL/ELL resources and strategies for educators.
- Books offering research-based instructional strategies for various subjects, including Social Studies, Math, and English.
- Resources and strategies for student motivation and engagement.
- Additional resources, including blogs, radio shows, and Q&A-style posts for teachers.
‘You’re not alone’ can go a long way for adolescents Education Research Report https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/
### Key Points
- Social support during childhood, especially for those facing adverse experiences, significantly reduces the risk of premature death by mitigating destructive behaviors.
- Strong family and school support systems act as buffers against adversity, improving long-term health outcomes and reducing risks like depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.
- Community and school interventions that foster a sense of belonging and provide consistent support are essential for children dealing with challenges at home.
- Public Montessori programs deliver stronger early learning outcomes, including improved reading, memory, and social understanding, while being cost-efficient.
- Montessori education benefits children from all backgrounds, especially low-income families, and promotes better teacher morale and retention.
- Cellphone bans in schools lead to improved test scores, reduced unexcused absences, and a decrease in suspensions after an initial adjustment period.
- Exposure to university lab research shapes students’ science career paths, with fewer lab opportunities (due to policies like minimum wage increases) negatively impacting career outcomes.
- China's college expansion influenced U.S. graduate education, increasing international student flows and boosting local economies around college towns.
- Plant-based meals in schools can improve student health outcomes and reduce childhood obesity, with initiatives like The Healthy Future Students and Earth Pilot Program Act advocating for broader access.
- Feedback in teacher education, when constructed as collaborative “reflect-ables,” enhances professional growth and reflection, offering insights for improving teaching practices.
Teacher Tom: Now It's Our Children's Turn to Come to Know the World https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2025/10/now-its-our-childrens-turn-to-come-to.html
### Key Points
- Children naturally create their own "narrative identities" through play, like wearing capes or princess dresses, reflecting their aspirations and understanding of societal themes.
- Parents' influence is significant in early years, but the world plays a larger role in shaping children over time.
- Stereotypes of masculinity and femininity impact children, even in environments where parents try to avoid them.
- Children's growth involves exploring and understanding the world, not conforming to ideals set by adults.
- The role of parents and educators is to protect and support children as they grow, not dictate their identities.
Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Democratic Socialist Wolf? (Besides the Billionaire Oligarch Piggies, of course.) Zohran Mamdani Wins NYC Mayor’s Race: The People’s Mic Drop Heard Round the Financial District https://ru4people.substack.com/p/whos-afraid-of-the-big-bad-democratic
### Key Points
- Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist, won the NYC mayoral race, marking a progressive shift.
- Mamdani's platform includes affordable housing, free public transit, and universal childcare, addressing working-class struggles.
- Billionaire elites funded opposition campaigns, but grassroots efforts prevailed.
- Mamdani's win highlights increasing dissatisfaction with centrist politics and wealth inequality.
OH WHAT A TANGLED WEB WE WEAVE: THE GLORIOUSLY CONFUSING LEGAL TANGLES OF AI https://ru4people.substack.com/p/oh-what-a-tangled-web-we-weave-the
### Key Points
- The rapid evolution of generative AI has outpaced legal frameworks, raising complex questions about authorship, copyright, and liability.
- AI-generated works are not protected by copyright unless substantial human creativity is added, creating a gray area in intellectual property law.
- AI models are trained on vast datasets, often including copyrighted material without permission, leading to legal battles over fair use and infringement.
- Deepfakes and fraudulent AI-generated content pose significant challenges in determining liability and assigning blame.
- The opaque nature of AI decision-making (black box problem) complicates legal accountability, leaving users and publishers liable for AI-generated content.
- Currently, users bear the primary legal risk for AI-generated outputs, though some platforms offer limited indemnification for enterprise users.
- The legal system is slowly adapting to AI-related disputes, but progress is expected to be messy and prolonged.
- Best practices for users include cautious use of AI outputs and verifying authenticity to avoid legal and financial repercussions.
CURMUDGUCATION: Eva Moskowitz Gets Hit In The Comments https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2025/10/eva-moskowitz-gets-hit-in-comments.html
### Key Points
- Eva Moskowitz's op-ed promotes her charter school model, claiming all children can succeed with high standards, but critics argue this is not reflective of Success Academy's selective practices.
- Commenters argue charter schools do not outperform public schools when serving the same students and often exclude underperforming or challenging students.
- Charter schools are criticized for draining public education funds, lacking oversight, and prioritizing profit over equitable education.
- Public sentiment in the comments overwhelmingly disapproved of Moskowitz's stance, questioning the integrity and fairness of the charter school model.
CURMUDGUCATION: Bad Political Education Advice https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2025/10/bad-political-education-advice.html
### Key Points
- Ben Austin, a prominent Democrat with ties to figures like Bill Clinton and Kamala Harris, advocates for policies resembling Republican approaches to education, such as school choice and reduced union influence.
- Austin argues that Democrats should redefine their stance on public education by prioritizing "high-quality public schools" as a civil right, though his proposed policies may undermine public schools by diverting funds and resources.
- He defends charter schools, citing their origins and support from past Democratic leaders like Clinton and Obama, but critics argue that charter schools have evolved into a threat to public education.
- Austin's position aligns with corporate Democrats, advocating for school choice while distancing from teachers' unions, yet this approach has been tested and deemed ineffective over decades.
- Critics highlight that Austin's recommendations, such as promoting charters and disregarding unions, fail to address systemic issues and could harm public education further.
CURMUDGUCATION: Can They Fix Chatbot Bias? https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2025/10/can-they-fix-ai-bias.html
Can They Fix Chatbot Bias?
### Key Points
- OpenAI conducted an experiment to measure political bias in ChatGPT by asking questions with varying levels of bias and analyzing the bot's responses.
- The study identified five types of biased responses: counter-bias, escalation, personal political expression, asymmetric coverage, and political refusals.
- A significant finding was that liberal-biased questions often elicited the most biased responses. OpenAI aims to address this issue, though the methodology and success criteria remain unclear.
- The article critiques the assumption that unbiased AI answers are achievable, given the subjective nature of many topics like culture, identity, and historical events.
- The notion that AI bias can be adjusted highlights its inherent presence and raises concerns about who controls the adjustments and their alignment with specific ideologies.
- The author argues that AI’s perceived objectivity is a myth, as biases from human-generated data and developers inevitably influence responses.
Have the Common Core Standards Changed How Teachers Teach? https://larrycuban.wordpress.com/2025/10/22/have-the-common-core-standards-changed-how-teachers-teach/ via @CubanLarry
### Key Points
- Reformers have long targeted changes in teaching to improve student outcomes, including creativity, rigorous thinking, and test scores.
- The Common Core standards were introduced with the belief they would enhance academic performance, but policymakers overlooked the critical role of teachers in implementing these changes.
- Teachers are central to determining "what" and "how" students learn, making the actual application of standards in classrooms a complex issue.
- Evidence, such as RAND surveys, shows minimal change in teaching practices despite the adoption of Common Core standards, and direct classroom observations are needed for accurate assessments.
- It remains unclear whether the Common Core standards have significantly changed or improved teaching practices by 2025.
The Legislature Goes to the Bathroom Why are Repubs so fixed on bathrooms? https://flanagann.substack.com/p/the-legislature-goes-to-the-bathroom
### Key Points
- The author shares personal experiences with unisex bathrooms during travels in Europe in the 1970s, highlighting their practicality and safety.
- Michigan State University retrofitted dormitory bathrooms into private, lockable stalls, sparking minor controversy despite student approval.
- Republican legislators in Michigan are pushing bills to restrict bathroom use based on biological sex, citing safety and moral concerns.
- Conservative opposition to gender identity inclusion in sex education and bathroom policies has become a rallying point, with arguments about family values and religious beliefs.
- The article questions why gender-neutral bathrooms are commonplace in Europe but provoke strong reactions in the U.S.
Goodbye, Rabbi Waskow Waskow lived his values with fierce commitment to social justice. https://klonsky.substack.com/p/goodbye-rabbi-waskow
Rabbi Arthur Waskow, a prominent figure in progressive Jewish activism, passed away at the age of 92. Known for his commitment to social justice, he founded several influential organizations and initiatives, including Jews for Urban Justice, the Shalom Center, and ALEPH: Alliance for Jewish Renewal. His activism spanned civil rights, climate justice, and critiques of war and genocide. Waskow's work combined Jewish tradition with a strong moral stance on contemporary issues, leaving a lasting legacy.
### Key Points
- Rabbi Arthur Waskow was a key figure in progressive Jewish activism, blending spiritual tradition with political engagement.
- He founded Jews for Urban Justice and the Shalom Center, addressing issues like nuclear threats, climate justice, and interfaith solidarity.
- Waskow created the "Freedom Seder" in 1969, inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s vision and the multiracial roots of Passover.
- He co-founded ALEPH: Alliance for Jewish Renewal and emphasized prophetic and mystical traditions in Judaism.
- His activism extended from civil rights in the 1960s to immigration justice in recent years, and he was arrested over two dozen times for his protests.
- Waskow was a vocal critic of war, including the Vietnam War and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, emphasizing moral accountability.
- Even in hospice care, he remained active, publishing books and advocating for justice.
The Attention Comeback - Stu https://bloom2.substack.com/p/the-attention-comeback
### Key Points
- Social media has shortened attention spans, leading to "popcorn brain," characterized by restlessness, reduced focus, and constant need for stimulation.
- Reading is suggested as a remedy, starting with topics of personal interest to gradually rebuild focus.
- Children's books with engaging language and short chapters are recommended for easing back into reading.
- Audiobooks, especially when paired with physical books, help reinforce attention and comprehension.
- Setting aside daily reading time, starting with just a few minutes and gradually increasing, aids in reducing screen time and improving focus.
- Reclaiming attention span doesn’t require guilt or big commitments—just persistence and small steps toward reading.
Larry Cuban on School Reform and Classroom Performance: Teachers Adopting and Using Technology in U.S. Schools: Who Decides? | National Education Policy Center https://nepc.colorado.edu/blog/teachers-adopting
### Key Points
- The article discusses the lack of teacher involvement in decisions regarding the adoption and deployment of technology in classrooms, emphasizing that policymakers, not teachers, often make these decisions.
- Teachers are expected to use new technologies in lessons but rarely have a say in choosing the devices or software, which contrasts with decision-making processes in other professions such as medicine or engineering.
- Despite this exclusion, some teachers creatively integrate technology into lessons, enhancing student learning, though they represent a small fraction of educators.
- Excluding teachers from decision-making sends a message that they are viewed as mere technicians rather than professionals capable of informed judgments about technology use.
- Including teachers in piloting and decision-making processes could lead to better-informed choices, smoother implementation, and increased integration of technology into lessons.
- The article argues that treating teachers as professionals and involving them in technology decisions would improve outcomes and foster expertise among educators.
How NYC can better protect their children’s privacy | Class Size Matters | A clearinghouse for information on class size & the proven benefits of smaller classes https://classsizematters.org/how-nyc-can-better-protect-their-childrens-privacy/
# Summary of "Privacy Briefing - 10.22.25"
The document, authored by Leonie Haimson, discusses the importance of protecting children's privacy in NYC public schools, detailing relevant laws, potential harms from breaches, and steps parents can take to safeguard their children's personal information.
## Key Topics and Core Ideas
### 1. **Understanding NYS Ed Law §2-d**
- Enacted in 2014, this law mandates that any school or vendor with access to student personal information (PII) must have contracts that clearly outline data protection measures, which must be publicly accessible on district websites.
- PII must be encrypted and access minimized, with parents informed on how to access and challenge their children's data. Selling or using PII for marketing is prohibited, and parents can file complaints regarding improper disclosures ([2]).
### 2. **Risks of Data Breaches**
- Breaches of student PII can lead to identity theft, discrimination, and mental health issues due to targeted advertising. Negative information can affect future opportunities for students ([3]).
### 3. **Inadequate Breach Notification**
- Reports indicate that the NYC Department of Education (DOE) has failed to provide adequate breach notifications, often exceeding the legal requirement of 60 days ([4]).
### 4. **Excessive Data Sharing and Breaches**
- Despite existing laws, the DOE has extensive agreements with numerous vendors, many of which lack proper privacy agreements. Notable breaches include incidents involving Illuminate and MoveIt, which compromised the data of thousands of students ([5][6]).
### 5. **Weakening of Privacy Regulations**
- Recent revisions to the Chancellor’s privacy regulations allow broader disclosure of sensitive student information under the guise of "Directory Information," with minimal opt-out options for parents ([7]).
## Key Points and Highlights
### 6. **Opting Out of Data Disclosures**
- Parents have specific deadlines to opt out of data disclosures to military recruiters, charter schools, and programs like Kids Rise. Detailed forms and processes are provided for these opt-outs ([8][9][10][11]).
### 7. **Questions for Schools**
- Parents are encouraged to ask schools about the edtech products used, their data practices, security measures, and whether they have undergone audits ([13][14]).
### 8. **Concerns Regarding AI in Education**
- The expansion of AI in education raises significant privacy concerns, particularly regarding data mining and the potential for reinforcing biases. The document emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability in the use of AI tools ([15][16][17]).
### 9. **Negative Impacts of AI on Learning**
- The use of AI can impair critical thinking, creativity, and human connection in learning environments, leading to negative educational outcomes ([18][19][20]).
### 10. **Commercial Exploitation of Student Data**
- The College Board's history of selling student data despite legal prohibitions raises alarms about ongoing violations of privacy laws ([24]).
## Conclusion
The briefing underscores the critical need for parents to be proactive in understanding their rights and the implications of data sharing and breaches in the context of their children's education. It calls for vigilance and advocacy to ensure compliance with existing privacy laws and to protect students from potential harms associated with data misuse.
