Latest News and Comment from Education

Sunday, November 23, 2025

TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POST NOVEMBER 23, 2025

 

TODAY'S TOP NEWS STORIES 

NOVEMBER 23, 2025

U.S. News
  • Trump Terminates Protections for Somali Migrants: President Donald Trump announced the immediate end to temporary legal protections for Somali migrants in Minnesota, sparking debates on immigration policy amid ongoing border discussions.
  • Cross-Country Storm Disrupts Thanksgiving Travel: A major storm system is causing widespread delays and cancellations for holiday flights and roads, affecting millions of Americans heading home for Thanksgiving.
  • Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene Resigns from Congress: The controversial Republican announced her resignation, citing personal reasons, which could shift dynamics in upcoming midterm races.
  • Florida Congresswoman Indicted for Fraud: U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick faces charges for allegedly stealing $5 million in federal disaster funds to support her 2021 campaign.
PoliticsWorld AffairsEducationEconomyTechnologyHealthSports


Last Week Tonight | Powered By GiveSmart https://e.givesmart.com/events/LYw/ 

All proceeds from the auction will benefit the Public Media Bridge Fund. For those unable to participate in the auction, donations can be made to "Adopt A Station" to support stations in need. The event is hosted by Public Media Company in partnership with Partially Important Productions, LLC, and powered by GiveSmart, a mobile bidding and fundraising platform.

### Key Points

- Proceeds from the auction go to the Public Media Bridge Fund. 

- Donations can also be made to "Adopt A Station" for supporting stations in need. 

- Event hosted by Public Media Company and Partially Important Productions, LLC. 

- Powered by GiveSmart, a mobile bidding and fundraising tool. 

Adopt A Station https://adoptastation.org/ 


ADOPT A STATION Rescue Public Media is an initiative to support independent journalism and community programming in America by encouraging donations and station adoptions. The program highlights the financial struggles of public media stations, such as WNMU TV in Michigan, which has lost 39% of its revenue in 2023. Donations and adoptions aim to preserve local public media and establish Semipublic as a nonprofit organization.

### Key Points

- "Adopt A Station" is a program to support independent journalism and public media across the U.S. 

- The initiative includes donating to local stations and adopting financially struggling stations. 

- WNMU TV in Marquette, Michigan, has lost 39% of its revenue and is highlighted as a station needing support. 

- Semipublic, the creator of the program, seeks to become a nonprofit to further its mission of supporting public media. 



How Did Zohran Mamdani Charm Trump? https://dianeravitch.net/2025/11/22/how-did-zohran-mamdani-charm-trump/ via @dianeravitch 

How Did Zohran Mamdani Charm Trump?  Watching the press conference that followed NYC Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s meeting with Trump felt like stepping into an alternate universe. Before they met, Mamdani called Trump names and promised to “Trumpproof” the city. Trump called Mamdani a “radical lunatic,” “a communist,” and lots of ethnic and religious slurs. He also threatened to cut off federal aid to the city. But after they met, Mamdani was beaming and Trump was gushing with praise for the vibrant young Mayor-elect. He even gave Mamdani that special

### Key Points

- The article describes the surprising dynamic between NYC Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani and Donald Trump after their meeting, despite their prior hostile exchanges. 

- The author humorously discusses the possibility of a "Muslim superpower" as a playful explanation for Mamdani's ability to charm Trump. 

- Trump, known for his aggressive rhetoric, appeared uncharacteristically gracious and complimentary toward Mamdani during and after the meeting. 

- The meeting revealed Trump's reliance on fear for power and how Mamdani's calm and composed demeanor disrupted Trump's usual tactics. 

- The meeting angered anti-Muslim figures and bigots, who reacted strongly to the newfound amicability between Trump and Mamdani. 

- The article concludes with reflections on Trump's behavior, portraying him as performing civility when unable to dominate. 


Big Education Ape: TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POST NOVEMBER 22, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/11/todays-top-news-yesterdays-best-blog_0601578938.html

The article provides a comprehensive overview of recent news and developments across various domains, including U.S. politics, education, global affairs, economy, technology, and societal issues. It highlights key events, policy changes, controversies, and their implications for society.

### Key Points  

- Tennessee's universal school voucher program faces a lawsuit from parents claiming it violates the state constitution by undermining public schools.   

- The Trump administration is accused of dismantling the Department of Education, reallocating programs to other agencies, and cutting resources, which critics argue undermines public education and equity.   

- The H-1B visa program is criticized for prioritizing foreign labor over investing in domestic education and workforce development, exacerbating economic inequality and undermining the American Dream.   

- Writing instruction in schools is facing a crisis due to AI tools like ChatGPT, which expose flaws in current teaching methods that prioritize formulaic and performative writing over authentic communication.   

- U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick is indicted for misusing $5 million in disaster funds for her campaign, while rapper Pras Michel is sentenced to 14 years for illegal campaign contributions.   

- The Trump administration's immigration enforcement operations in Charlotte sparked public outrage due to racial profiling and constitutional violations, leading to protests and community solidarity.   

- Critics argue that the Trump administration's stance on presidential authority undermines constitutional limits and promotes authoritarian principles, contradicting the Nuremberg Trials' emphasis on rejecting unlawful orders.   

- Ohio's charter schools face criticism for inefficiency and poor performance despite receiving significant federal funding, while public schools outperform them in various metrics.   

- Global updates include the U.S. and Russia proposing a controversial Ukraine peace plan, sparking concerns about transatlantic tensions and Ukraine's sovereignty.   

- Florida's education system faces challenges from charter school expansions and voucher program deficits, with communities pushing back against privatization efforts.   

- The Department of Education's policy redefining "professional degrees" excludes critical healthcare fields, potentially worsening worker shortages and increasing financial burdens on students.   

- Advances in technology include AI-powered tools, nanoscale lasers for data centers, and privacy concerns in platforms like WhatsApp.   

- The FBI monitors immigration rights activists in New York, labeling peaceful activities as extremist without evidence.   

- Maya Angelou's metaphor of being a "rainbow in someone’s cloud" emphasizes kindness, empathy, and community resilience during difficult times.   

- Community-based interventions like Safe Passage programs reduce firearm injuries among children after school hours. 

Big Education Ape: MORNING NEWS UPDATE: NOVEMBER 22, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/11/morning-news-update-november-22-2025.html 

Schools and political developments dominate the news, with a focus on the Tennessee 7th District race, U.S. political controversies, global events, and advancements in technology and health. Key updates include Trump’s Ukraine peace plan, Marjorie Taylor Greene’s resignation, and the G20 Summit’s global initiatives. Education reforms, climate-related disruptions, and AI advancements are also highlighted.

### Key Points

- The Tennessee 7th District race gains attention, creating concerns within Trump’s circle. 

- Major political developments include Marjorie Taylor Greene's resignation, Trump’s Ukraine peace plan, and controversial rhetoric. 

- Global events such as the G20 Summit, Lebanon-Israel border negotiations, and Bolsonaro's detention are discussed. 

- Climate and health crises include floods in Texas, air pollution in Delhi, and rising yellow fever cases in the Amazon Basin

- Education reforms in India and the U.S., including labor code implementations and departmental restructuring, are noted. 

- Advances in AI, including OpenAI’s partnerships and Samsung’s software updates, are highlighted. 

- Health updates include microplastics' impact on artery disease and tailored Vitamin D3 reducing heart attack risks. 

- Sports updates cover Australia’s win in the Ashes opener and Indian Grandmaster Praggnanandhaa’s chess achievements. 

Big Education Ape: THE TOP NEWS STORIES THIS WEEK 11-16 -25 TO 11-22-25 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/11/the-top-news-stories-this-week-11-16-25.html 


The article is a comprehensive roundup of news stories from November 16-22, 2025, covering topics such as U.S. politics, global affairs, education, technology, health, sports, and the economy. It highlights major events, policy updates, and societal issues, providing an overview of key developments across different sectors.

### Key Points  

- The Tennessee 7th District race gains attention for its implications on Trump’s political influence.   

- Supreme Court sides with Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt in a Cabinet-related legal dispute.   

- Immigration policy debates continue with reports of high arrest numbers at the Southern border.   

- Media revisits the aftermath of the BioLab toxic fire in Georgia, raising environmental and health concerns.   

- National Fraud Awareness Week emphasizes consumer fraud and unemployment insurance protection.   

- New York allocates $66 million to replace lead service lines in drinking water, addressing public health concerns.   

- UN Climate Summit (COP30) sees clashes over fossil fuel policies and climate adaptation agreements.   

- U.S.-China trade tensions escalate with strategic decoupling and new trade patterns emerging.   

- Federal Reserve cuts interest rates by 25 basis points, sparking analysis of economic implications.   

- Greece and Ukraine sign a significant gas supply deal, highlighting energy geopolitics.   

- Reports of escalating Middle East tensions, including Israeli strikes on Gaza and Hezbollah threats.   

- Iran claims it is no longer enriching uranium, marking a significant international development.   

- Kidnapping in Nigeria involving 200 children and 12 teachers draws global outrage.   

- AI literacy integration in K-12 education gains traction, focusing on career readiness.   

- Concerns grow over AI chatbots being used for mental health support among teens.   

- Economic disparity widens for recent college graduates, raising questions about job readiness.   

- U.S. manufacturing slows due to tariff-driven prices, reflecting economic challenges.   

- Qualcomm acquires Arduino, expanding its hardware portfolio with a new product launch.   

- Amazon and OpenAI announce a $38 billion deal, emphasizing AI’s growing influence in Big Tech.   

- NASA plans to launch the Sentinel-6B satellite to monitor global sea levels.   

- New York implements universal newborn screening for Metachromatic Leukodystrophy (MLD).   

- NFL Week 12 and NCAA basketball tournaments dominate sports coverage.   

- Paralympic gold medalist Paige Greco’s death at 28 garners significant attention.   

- Middle East tensions and U.S.-China relations feature prominently in global affairs discussions. 

Big Education Ape: GOOD NIGHT NURSE: THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION DOWNGRADES THE LADDER TO SUCCESS https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/11/good-night-nurse-department-of.html 

Big Education Ape article critiques a new policy by the U.S. Department of Education that redefines "professional degrees," excluding critical healthcare fields like nursing, physical therapy, and public health from higher federal student loan limits. This decision could exacerbate healthcare shortages, increase financial burdens on students, and disproportionately affect women and diverse communities.

### Key Points
- The Department of Education's policy redefines "professional degrees," excluding nursing, physician assistants, and other healthcare professions from higher federal loan limits. 
- The policy dramatically reduces the number of programs qualifying as professional degrees, favoring fields like medicine, law, and theology while excluding essential healthcare roles. 
- Students in excluded fields face significant financial challenges, with federal loans capped at $20,500 annually, forcing reliance on high-interest private loans. 
- The policy could worsen healthcare worker shortages, particularly in rural and underserved areas, amid an already strained system. 
- Critics argue the policy undermines equity, disproportionately affecting women and first-generation college students in healthcare fields. 
- Advocacy groups like the American Nurses Association and AACN are pushing back, urging the Department to reverse the decision. 

Big Education Ape: H-1B AND THE DEATH OF THE AMERICAN DREAM: HOW AMERICA DECIDED IT'S CHEAPER TO RENT FOREIGN-EDUCATED WORKERS THAN TO EDUCATE ITS OWN CHILDREN https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/11/h-1b-and-death-of-american-dream-how.html 


The article discusses the deliberate dismantling of the American Dream by an oligarchy over the past four decades. It outlines how public education has been defunded, jobs offshored, cheaper labor imported via the H-1B visa program, and the government and media captured by corporate interests. The article highlights the bipartisan complicity in these actions and calls for organized resistance to reclaim the American Dream.

### Key Points  
- The American Dream has been systematically dismantled by an oligarchy over the past forty years through strategic actions.   
- Public education has been defunded, with state funding for universities dropping by an average of 37% per student between 1990 and 2020. This led to increased student debt, privatization, and reliance on foreign-educated workers.   
- Jobs were offshored through agreements like NAFTA and China's entry into the WTO, leading to the collapse of manufacturing industries and the decimation of unions.   
- The H-1B visa program was expanded, importing foreign labor to suppress wages and undercut American workers, while benefiting wealthy corporations.   
- The $100,000 H-1B visa fee imposed by Trump in 2025 further consolidated power among the wealthiest corporations while pricing out smaller businesses.   
- Both political parties have been complicit in enabling the oligarchy, with policies that prioritize corporate interests over the middle class.   
- The corporate media, controlled by billionaire interests, shapes narratives to benefit the oligarchy and obscure systemic issues.   
- The dismantling of the middle class has resulted in widespread economic precarity, leaving young Americans with high debt and limited opportunities.   
- The Supreme Court has played a key role in enabling the oligarchy by ruling in favor of corporate power and dismantling campaign finance restrictions.   
- The H-1B visa program exemplifies the broader systemic issues, as its timeline aligns with other moves by the oligarchy, such as education defunding and job offshoring.   
- The article calls for action to resist the oligarchy, including voting, organizing locally, supporting independent media, and building solidarity among workers.   
- The oligarchy relies on public compliance, division, and exhaustion to maintain its power, but collective action can challenge its dominance. 

Big Education Ape: THE BILLIONAIRE'S BANQUET: HOW TRUMP TRADED MAGA'S LUNCH FOR H-1B HORS D'OEUVRES https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/11/the-billionaires-banquet-how-trump.html 

Big Education Ape's article critiques the Trump administration's policies on education, immigration, and labor. It highlights the shift in the "MAGA" narrative, focusing on the exploitation of H-1B visas to cater to corporate interests while sidelining American workers. The article discusses the historical context and bipartisan manipulation of the H-1B program, emphasizing the economic and social consequences of prioritizing foreign labor over investing in domestic education and workforce development.

### Key Points
- The Trump administration's policies favor corporate interests, with a focus on H-1B visas to import foreign labor instead of investing in American workers. 
- The H-1B visa program, initially designed for specialty occupations, has evolved into a tool for corporations to exploit cheaper, non-unionized foreign labor. 
- Bipartisan support for the H-1B program has enabled its misuse, with both parties contributing to its expansion and manipulation over decades. 
- The article criticizes the lack of investment in domestic education and vocational training, which could address the talent gap without relying on foreign labor. 
- The MAGA base feels betrayed as Trump's policies contradict his earlier promises to prioritize American workers and "drain the swamp." 

Big Education Ape: TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POST NOVEMBER 21, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/11/todays-top-news-yesterdays-best-blog_0222449231.html 

The article provides a comprehensive overview of recent developments across various domains, including politics, education, economy, technology, healthcare, and global affairs in November 2025. It highlights policy changes, societal impacts, and controversies shaping the U.S. and the world, with particular focus on the Trump administration's efforts to dismantle public institutions, global tensions, and advancements in technology and healthcare.

### Key Points  




The million-car U-turn Wall St. not relocating to Miami after all. MICHAEL KLONSKY https://klonsky.substack.com/p/the-million-car-u-turn 

The million-car U-turn Wall St. not relocating to Miami after all.

### Key Points

- A survey suggested that a significant portion of New Yorkers might leave the city if Mamdani won, but the feared mass exodus never materialized. 

- The narrative of a large-scale ideological flight from New York to Florida was debunked, with no actual exodus or Wall Street relocation occurring. 

- The MAGA election strategy of portraying Democrats as radical Mamdani supporters failed, especially after Trump unexpectedly supported Mamdani. 

- Republicans’ plan to make elections about exaggerated radicalism rather than real issues like affordability backfired. 

- Centrist Democrats distancing themselves from Mamdani may further weaken their leadership and the party’s position. 



Remembrances: A Decade of Assassinations https://larrycuban.wordpress.com/2025/11/22/remembrances-a-decade-of-assassinations/ via @CubanLarry 

Larry Cuban reflects on the assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963, sharing his personal experience and emotions during that pivotal moment in American history. He recounts his role as a Master Teacher in a federally-funded program at Cardozo High School and the close-knit community among educators and Peace Corps Volunteers. Cuban describes the shock and mourning that followed the assassination, highlighting the profound impact Kennedy had on the nation and individuals, including himself.

### Key Points

- Larry Cuban recalls the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963 and its emotional impact. 

- He shares his experiences as a Master Teacher in the Cardozo Project in Urban Teaching, a program aimed at training Peace Corps Volunteers as licensed teachers. 

- Cuban describes the immediate aftermath of the assassination, the reactions of his colleagues, and the mourning process within his community. 

- He highlights Kennedy’s influence on Americans, including the establishment of the Peace Corps and his inspirational inaugural speech. 



glen brown: Meanwhile, Craziness Continues https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/11/meanwhile-craziness-continues.html 

The article is a mix of political commentary, societal critique, and personal reflections, focusing on various topics such as the state of American democracy, political corruption, social injustices, and media manipulation, with a recurring critique of Trump and Republican policies.

### Key Points
- The writer reflects on the nobility of resisting oppression and the challenges of writing in a flawed world. 
- Marjorie Taylor Greene announces her resignation, criticizing corruption and stagnation in Congress, and addressing the struggles of common Americans. 
- The article highlights systemic issues such as rising debt, corporate dominance, job outsourcing, and unaffordable healthcare. 
- Criticism of Trump’s actions, including inciting violence, corruption, and undermining democracy, is detailed. 
- A Gallup poll shows 80% of Americans support Democratic values like compromise, diversity, and reducing the power of the wealthy. 
- Concerns are raised about right-wing billionaires consolidating media power, threatening democracy and freedom of the press. 
- The article condemns the Coast Guard’s decision to declassify the swastika as a hate symbol, linking it to Republican extremism. 
- A tragic example of Texas's abortion ban leading to preventable deaths is shared, highlighting the impact of Republican policies on women’s rights. 
- Accusations are made against Trump for aligning with Putin on Ukraine, potentially compromising democracy for personal gain. 
- The article critiques Trump’s history of misogyny and his supporters’ attempts to excuse his behavior. 
- References are made to the Epstein case and its connection to Trump, suggesting deeper corruption. 

Schools Matter: U.S. Media Outlets Closely Following TN 7th District Race http://www.schoolsmatter.info/2025/11/us-media-outlets-closely-following-tn.html 

The article discusses the political dynamics surrounding a special election in Tennessee's seventh congressional district, highlighting the growing cracks in Donald Trump’s base and the unexpected competitiveness of the race. Democrat Aftyn Behn is challenging Republican Matt Van Epps in a district designed to favor Republicans. Both parties have heavily invested in the race, with significant campaigning and financial support. The article also emphasizes the broader challenges faced by Tennessee voters, such as affordability issues, and the role of independent journalism in covering such stories.

### Key Points

- The special election in Tennessee's seventh congressional district has become unexpectedly competitive, with Democrat Aftyn Behn challenging Republican Matt Van Epps. 

- The district was initially drawn to favor Republicans, but dissatisfaction with Trump’s agenda has activated Democratic voters. 

- Prominent Democrats, including Kamala Harris, have campaigned for Behn, citing affordability issues and political chaos at the federal level as key concerns. 

- Both parties have poured significant resources into the race, including a $1 million contribution from a Trump-aligned super PAC. 

- The article underscores the importance of independent journalism and appeals for reader support to sustain it. 



Media Manufactured Education Crisis? You Can Count on It https://radicalscholarship.com/2025/11/22/media-manufactured-education-crisis-you-can-count-on-it/ via @plthomasEdD 

This article reflects on the recurring narrative of education crises in the U.S., critiquing the media's tendency to declare crises in areas such as reading and math while misrepresenting educational theories like those of John Dewey. The author, an experienced educator, argues that such crises often ignore the broader social and economic factors affecting student outcomes. The article emphasizes the importance of individualized teaching approaches and critiques the oversimplification of complex educational challenges.

### Key Points

- The author reflects on their 42-year career in education, drawing parallels between past and present education crises, such as the reading crisis of the 1940s and the current math crisis. 

- The media's portrayal of education crises often misrepresents educational theories, like constructivism and Dewey's progressivism, blaming them for systemic failures. 

- Dewey's progressive education philosophy is misunderstood; it advocates for evidence-based, evolving teaching methods tailored to individual students rather than rigid prescriptions. 

- Education outcomes are heavily influenced by socioeconomic factors, such as family income and social capital, which schools alone cannot address. 

- Crisis rhetoric in education is unproductive and distracts from addressing the systemic inequities that hinder student success. 



glen brown: "A Courageous White House Reporter" https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/11/a-courageous-white-house-reporter.html 

A blog post by Glen Brown reflects on various political, social, and cultural issues, emphasizing the writer's role in resisting oppression and documenting injustices. The article highlights topics such as Trump's controversial actions, journalist Mary Bruce's courage, systemic corruption, adjunct faculty struggles, and societal inequalities. It also includes reflections on historical events, economic predictions, and ongoing global conflicts.

### Key Points

- The role of writers in challenging oppression and maintaining independence, referencing Ambrose Bierce and Albert Camus

- Criticism of Donald Trump's actions, including his handling of the Khashoggi assassination, authoritarian tendencies, and controversial pardons. 

- Recognition of journalist Mary Bruce for her bold questioning of Trump regarding Saudi Arabia's role in Jamal Khashoggi's murder. 

- Broader societal issues such as adjunct faculty's lack of job security, economic inequality, and systemic corruption. 

- Coverage of global conflicts, including the Israeli-Palestinian war and Russia's aggression in Ukraine. 

- Commentary on U.S. politics, including the January 6th insurrection, Roe v. Wade, and gun control laws. 

- Historical and cultural reflections, including the Gettysburg Address anniversary and Gwendolyn Brooks' poetry. 



For young children, finger-counting a stepping stone to higher math skills   Education Research Report https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/ 

Education Research Report Saturday, November 22, 2025

### Key Points

- A study reveals most parents have realistic expectations about their children's athletic futures, though a significant minority believe their kids will achieve collegiate or professional athletic success. 

- Parental expectations are influenced by factors such as socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, neighborhood, sports fandom, and the child's athletic identity. 

- Findings show that older children lead to lower parental expectations of athletic success. Gender does not significantly impact expectations, but Black and Latino parents are more optimistic about their children's athletic potential. 

- The study highlights the need for realistic planning given the low odds of achieving professional athletic success and suggests educational messaging to address overly high expectations. 

- Finger counting in young children (ages 4-6.5) is linked to better math skills by age 7, serving as a stepping stone to advanced arithmetic skills. 

- Research shows that children who used their fingers early but transitioned away from the practice performed better in math later. Teachers should not discourage finger counting as it supports cognitive development. 

- School accountability systems can improve long-term outcomes for students, including reduced criminal involvement among those attending underperforming schools. 

- Accountability pressure helps schools rated as "unsatisfactory" improve performance through internal reforms, enhancing school climate and student engagement. 

- Summer youth employment programs (SYEPs) reduce youth crime and violence while improving educational outcomes and social connections. Expanding these programs during the school year could address economic disparities and reduce violence. 

- Child gun injury risk spikes after school hours, particularly between 2-6 pm, highlighting the need for community-level interventions beyond school-focused strategies. Safe Passage programs and youth employment are suggested as preventive measures. 

- The U.S. hosted 1.2 million international students in 2024/2025, contributing $55 billion to the economy. While undergraduate enrollments increased, graduate enrollments declined. India remains the top-sending country. 

- Community colleges experienced the fastest growth in international student enrollment. U.S. students studying abroad also increased, with Europe and Asia as top destinations. 

- Aggregating test scores removes valuable item-level data that could improve educational outcomes. Utilizing all collected data could lead to significant gains in education. 



November’s Parent Engagement Resources | Engaging Parents In School... https://engagingparentsinschool.edublogs.org/2025/11/22/novembers-parent-engagement-resources/ 

### Key Points

- The article discusses various resources and strategies for engaging parents in schools, emphasizing the importance of going beyond simple involvement. 

- Highlights include research on parent engagement, tips for fostering communication in middle schools, and guidance on how teachers prefer to communicate with parents. 

- Resources mentioned include articles from Edutopia, Ed Week, and The Washington Post, as well as tools for AI literacy for parents. 

- The author promotes their books on student motivation and teaching strategies for English Language Learners (ELL/ESL), offering practical tools and activities. 

- Subscription options for updates and posts are available, and the site is powered by WordPress with reCAPTCHA protection. 



Dune Films  ★★★★☆: The Heart Is Not a Reliable Organ – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/11/22/dune-films-%e2%98%85%e2%98%85%e2%98%85%e2%98%85%e2%98%86-the-heart-is-not-a-reliable-organ-for-governing/ 

Dune Films ★★★★☆: The Heart Is Not a Reliable Organ reflects on the personal and philosophical impact of the Dune series, both the original 1980s film and Denis Villeneuve's recent adaptations. The article explores themes of leadership, power, morality, and the balance between emotion and reason, drawing parallels between the fictional world of Dune and real-world challenges in governance and human behavior. The author praises Villeneuve's films for their artistic ambition and ability to evoke deep questions about humanity and leadership.

### Key Points

- The author's first experience with the 1980s Dune film left a lasting impression due to its mix of philosophy, fantasy, and its exploration of power, faith, and destiny. 

- Villeneuve's Dune adaptations are praised for their visual grandeur, thematic depth, and portrayal of the human struggle, despite some criticisms of pacing and style. 

- The Fremen's rebellion in Dune symbolizes the resilience of oppressed communities and the collective power of resistance against domination. 

- Leadership themes in Dune highlight the dangers of governing through emotion and the necessity of balancing compassion with discipline and clarity. 

- Herbert’s works emphasize the inevitability of power becoming centralized and self-serving, and the risks of letting emotion dictate governance. 

- The article draws parallels between Dune's narrative and contemporary society, where emotion often drives public life and leadership decisions. 

- The author reflects on the lasting relevance of Dune’s themes, emphasizing the importance of wise leadership that balances heart and reason. 

- Villeneuve’s Dune films are commended for blending spectacle with philosophical depth, making them enduring and thought-provoking works of art.