Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights
A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
5-22-25
Fareed Zakaria: Trump's War on Science Is Damaging Our Economy and Our Future https://dianeravitch.net/2025/05/21/fareed-zakaria-trumps-war-on-science-is-damaging-our-economy-and-our-future/ via @dianeravitch
Home About Follow Diane’s Posts NPE Blog Posts Of The Day Blog Topics DeSantis Diane Ravitch's blog A site to discuss education and democracy### Key Points
- Fareed Zakaria criticizes Trump's administration for its disdain for science, citing harmful decisions such as appointing unqualified individuals like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and shutting down university research centers crucial for medical advancements.
- Trump's actions have caused a "brain drain," driving top scientists away from the U.S. to countries like China, which support and value research. This has long-term negative consequences for the U.S. economy and innovation.
- The blog also highlights political dynamics, including media bias, the Democratic Party's challenges, and debates over Biden's cognitive fitness versus Trump's governance. Commenters argue over these issues, reflecting broader partisan divides.
- Biden's administration is defended for its achievements, despite his age, with supporters emphasizing his legislative successes and experienced leadership compared to Trump's erratic behavior.
LA Times: Trump Claims Harris Campaign Paid Celebrities to Endorse Her https://dianeravitch.net/2025/05/21/la-times-trump-claims-harris-campaign-paid-celebrities-to-endorse-her/ via @dianeravitch
LA Times: Trump Claims Harris Campaign Paid Celebrities to Endorse Her By dianeravitch May 21, 2025 // 5 Trump ranted against the celebrities who endorsed Kamala Harris in her failed Presidential campaign, singling out Beyoncรฉ and Bruce Springsteen. He said they had been paid by the Harris campaign, and he threatened to investigate them. He insisted that Harris paid Beyoncรฉ $11 million for her endorsement. Trump is a sore winner. The Los Angeles Times reported: President Trump is very much still hung up on the star power that boosted former Vice President Kamala Harris’ ultimately unsuccessful campaign. In a pair of posts shared to his Truth Social platform Sunday night and Monday### Key Points
- Trump accused celebrities like Beyoncรฉ and Bruce Springsteen of being paid by Kamala Harris' campaign for endorsements and threatened investigations.
- Springsteen criticized Trump during a concert, addressing issues like democracy, civil rights, and social injustices under Trump's administration.
- Trump’s accusations and rhetoric are seen as attempts to divert attention from controversial policies, including a bill affecting hospitals in his support areas.
- The blog highlights the divide in media consumption, with MAGA supporters believing Trump's claims while ignoring refutations.
PBS: What You Need to Know About Medicaid https://dianeravitch.net/2025/05/21/pbs-what-you-need-to-know-about-medicaid/ via @dianeravitch
The article discusses the Republican Party's efforts to pass a budget bill that includes significant cuts to Medicaid to fund tax cuts for wealthy individuals and corporations. Medicaid, a federal program providing healthcare for low-income Americans, is a key focus of the debate, with proposed reforms such as work requirements for able-bodied recipients. Critics argue that the cuts would result in millions losing health coverage, increased suffering, and economic strain on states. The piece also highlights public commentary on the moral and societal implications of the proposed changes.### Key Points
- Republicans are pushing for a budget bill that includes Medicaid cuts to finance tax cuts for high-income individuals and corporations.
- Medicaid provides healthcare for 71.3 million low-income Americans, while CHIP covers 7.3 million children.
- Medicaid funding involves federal-state cost-sharing, with states leveraging mechanisms like provider taxes to increase federal matching funds.
- Proposed reforms include new work requirements for Medicaid recipients, potentially leading to 8.6 million Americans losing coverage over the next decade.
- Critics warn of severe consequences, including increased poverty, health crises, and moral concerns about the policy's impact on vulnerable populations.
Big Education Ape: WE DON'T DO KINGS: NATIONWIDE PROTESTS TO RAIN ON TRUMP'S $45M BIRTHDAY MILITARY PARADE #NoKingsDay #DefendDemocracy #AmericaStrong https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/05/we-dont-do-kings-nationwide-protests-to.html
Education-related discussions and political controversies dominate the article. It highlights the slowing decline in school enrollment, debates over public education, and a focus on creativity-driven teaching methods. A significant portion centers on the planned "No Kings Day" protests against Donald Trump's $45M military-style birthday parade, seen as an authoritarian display. Critics emphasize democracy, equity, and grassroots activism over militaristic pageantry. The protests aim to counter perceived threats to democracy, with creative, peaceful demonstrations across the nation.### Key Points
- Slowing decline in school enrollment, with high-demand programs potentially reversing trends.
- Creativity-focused teaching mode based on the MOA framework (motivation, opportunity, ability).
- Planned "No Kings Day" protests on June 14, 2025, opposing Trump's $45M military parade, deemed an authoritarian flex.
- Critics argue the parade misuses taxpayer money amidst societal struggles like inflation and inequality.
- Advocacy groups emphasize democracy, justice, and accountability through peaceful, creative protests.
- Social media campaigns and grassroots activism play a key role in rallying support for the protests.
Big Education Ape: BLUESKY: THE RISING STAR THAT IS POOPING ON X'S PARADE https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/05/bluesky-rising-star-that-is-pooping-on.html
Big Education Ape’s article highlights the rise of Bluesky as a decentralized, user-centric social media platform that is gaining traction amidst dissatisfaction with Elon Musk’s rebranding of Twitter into "X." Bluesky prioritizes user control, community-driven moderation, and innovative features, offering an alternative to traditional platforms. Its growth is fueled by disillusionment with Musk's decisions and a demand for healthier online spaces.
### Key Points
- Bluesky emerged as a decentralized platform from a Twitter project in 2019 and now operates independently, offering user control over data and identities.
- The platform emphasizes customizable communities, balanced moderation, and ad-free experiences, attracting over 34 million users.
- Bluesky’s success is linked to its AT Protocol, fostering interoperability and innovation, alongside alternatives like Skylight for short-form video content.
- Elon Musk’s controversial management of "X" has driven users to Bluesky, which is seen as a healthier, more user-friendly alternative.
- Bluesky’s future plans include customizable feeds and enhanced verification, aiming to become a leading social media platform.
META, MONOPOLIES AND THE MISADVENTURES OF THE MODERN PUBLIC SQUARE explores Meta's dominance in the social media landscape and its ongoing antitrust trial with the FTC. The article critiques Meta's monopolistic behavior, algorithmic influence, and the broader implications for democracy and public discourse in the digital age.
### Key Points
- Meta, formerly Facebook, faces FTC allegations of monopolistic practices through acquisitions like Instagram and WhatsApp.
- The FTC argues that Meta’s dominance stifles competition, while Meta defends itself by citing competitors like TikTok and YouTube.
- Meta’s algorithms prioritize engagement, creating echo chambers and influencing public discourse, raising concerns about transparency and accountability.
- Critics debate whether social media platforms should be regulated as public utilities to ensure fairness and accessibility.
- The trial’s outcome could reshape the digital landscape, either breaking up Meta or maintaining its dominance.
Elon Musk and the Billionaire’s Ketamine Monopoly Test: A Satirical Take on Wealth, Politics, and Public Perception
### Key Points
- Elon Musk’s political involvement during the 2024 election cycle, spending over $290 million to support Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans, resulted in failed outcomes and backlash.
- His political endorsements alienated Tesla customers and led to a decline in Twitter (X) users, hurting his reputation and businesses.
- After facing public criticism and declining stock values, Musk announced at the Qatar Economic Forum that he would reduce his political involvement and refocus on running his companies.
- Musk faces regulatory challenges in South Africa over his Starlink satellite internet service, with allegations of discriminatory policies and conflicts of interest.
- The article highlights the broader lesson that wealth does not guarantee political acumen and criticizes Musk’s public missteps and overexposure.
Wisdom Project Esther: Christian Nationalism, Campus Protests, and the War on Dissent### Key Points
- Student protests across U.S. campuses have emerged in response to the Gaza humanitarian crisis, demanding universities uphold human rights and divest from weapons manufacturers.
- Project Esther, led by far-right Christian nationalists, aims to surveil, discredit, and suppress pro-Palestinian student activists through tactics such as AI monitoring, opposition research, and pressuring university leaders.
- The initiative equates peaceful protest with terrorism, smearing dissenters as foreign operatives, and advancing a Christian nationalist agenda under the guise of protecting Jewish students.
- Project Esther aligns with broader authoritarian strategies like Project 2025, aiming to reshape institutions into tools for Christian ethnostate ambitions.
- Peaceful campus protests, which include diverse groups united for justice, are being unjustly criminalized, undermining free speech and democracy.
- Higher education must resist these repressive campaigns and protect the right to protest, ensuring universities remain spaces for learning and civic engagement.
- The article warns of the broader implications of Project Esther, urging vigilance and action to counter authoritarianism and safeguard democratic values.
glen brown: Lawsuit claims Chobani yogurt contains toxic chemicals https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/05/lawsuit-claims-chobani-yogurt-contains.html
This article discusses various topics, focusing primarily on a class action lawsuit against Chobani LLC for allegedly misrepresenting its yogurt products as containing "only natural ingredients" while third-party testing found toxic plastic chemicals (phthalates). It also includes broader reflections on writing, social justice, and political commentary.### Key Points
- A class action lawsuit was filed against Chobani LLC in California federal court, alleging that its yogurt products contain toxic plastic chemicals (phthalates) despite claims of "only natural ingredients."
- The lawsuit cites violations of California’s consumer protection laws and seeks damages, fees, and a jury trial.
- Phthalates, found in Chobani products, are endocrine-disrupting chemicals and probable human carcinogens, according to the EPA.
- The plaintiff, Amy Wysocki, aims to represent all U.S. consumers who purchased the affected products.
- Broader commentary includes reflections on writing, politics, pensions, social justice, and various societal issues.
Schools Matter: National Day of Defiance June 14: No Kings Day http://www.schoolsmatter.info/2025/05/national-day-of-defiance-june-14-no.html
### Key Points- The article discusses the influence of classmates on a child's learning, referencing a quote by James Coleman from 1972.
- It highlights a blog post about the "National Day of Defiance" on June 14, referred to as "No Kings Day."
- Various topics such as poverty's impact on education, corporate influence in charter schools, and the increase in standardized testing are mentioned.
- The archive covers a wide range of political, educational, and social issues, including critiques of corporate education reform and the need for systemic change in education.
- Specific essays and reviews are cited, addressing topics like testing, teacher education, and educational inequality.
Teacher Tom: "The Choice to Love" https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2025/05/the-choice-to-love.html
"The Choice to Love" by Teacher Tom reflects on fear-based motivation in education and advocates for love and connection as transformative approaches to teaching and parenting. The author shares childhood memories of fear-driven discipline and contrasts it with the importance of fostering dignity, respect, and internal motivation in children. The article critiques the culture of fear, linking it to rising anxiety and mental health challenges among children, and emphasizes the necessity of choosing love to create meaningful connections and a healthier society.### Key Points
- Fear-based discipline, such as the rumored use of corporal punishment, creates anxiety and obedience but undermines genuine motivation and connection.
- A culture of fear persists in modern parenting and education, contributing to increased anxiety and mental health issues in children.
- Love, as a conscious choice, fosters connection, cooperation, and self-motivation, which are essential for children’s well-being and societal progress.
- Play-based learning and respectful communication can transform educational environments into spaces where children think for themselves and thrive.
Seattle Schools Community Forum: Seattle School Board Candidate Updates https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2025/05/seattle-school-board-candidate-updates.html?spref=tw
### Key Points- The blog provides updates on Seattle School Board candidates, including their contact information, campaign priorities, endorsements, and notable quotes.
- The author highlights concerns about nepotism within Seattle Public Schools, particularly among principals and senior staff, and its negative impact on the district.
- The author critiques the district's plans to close 20 schools, questioning the financial justification and lack of transparency.
Nancy Bailey's Education Website: Is This the Final Knockdown of America’s Public Schools? | National Education Policy Center https://nepc.colorado.edu/blog/final-knockdown
### Key Points- The article discusses concerns about the Trump administration's education policies, including appointing Linda McMahon, a non-educator and former wrestling CEO, as Education Secretary, and plans to eliminate the US Department of Education (US DOE).
- The administration's agenda includes privatizing education, promoting school choice, and using vouchers to benefit wealthy families, which could harm public schools and low-income students.
- Elon Musk is reportedly involved in dismantling the US DOE, raising concerns about his lack of understanding of public education and civil rights issues.
- Penny Schwinn, a controversial figure with a history of questionable educational decisions, has been appointed as deputy under Linda McMahon, drawing criticism from both liberals and conservatives.
- Critics argue that Trump’s education appointees lack classroom experience and aim to weaken public school accountability in favor of privatization.
- The article questions whether legislators will support these controversial appointments or stand up for public education.
Data Shows Slowing Decline in School Enrollment - Year 2025 (CA Dept of Education) https://www.cde.ca.gov/nr/ne/yr25/yr25rel28.asp
The California Department of Education (CDE) released 2024–25 school enrollment data, showing a slowing decline in overall public school enrollment. Key initiatives like Transitional Kindergarten (TK) and Dual-Language Immersion (DLI) programs are experiencing significant growth, suggesting their potential to reverse long-term enrollment declines. Expanded Learning programs also show promising increases in participation.### Key Points
- California's public school enrollment decline has slowed, with a 0.54% decrease from the previous year, though still significantly lower than pre-pandemic levels.
- Transitional Kindergarten (TK) enrollment grew by 17.2% year-over-year, with 85% of Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) now offering TK at all school sites.
- Expansion of Dual-Language Immersion (DLI) programs has grown by 39% since 2018–19, reaching 1,036 programs in 2023–24.
- Expanded Learning programs, such as in Elk Grove Unified, have seen enrollment surge by 264%, reflecting demand for educational initiatives.
- These initiatives, including TK and DLI, are seen as strategies to reengage families and potentially reverse declining enrollment trends.
Education Research Report: School collaboration reforms help improve academic performance and school climate in underperforming schools https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/2025/05/school-collaboration-reforms-help.html
### Key Points- School-to-school collaboration programs, like Shanghai's Strong School Project (SSP), improve academic performance and school climate in underperforming schools by sharing resources and leadership support.
- Research shows SSP participation led to significant gains in student test scores, particularly in mathematics (+0.67 SD) and Chinese (+0.63 SD), emphasizing the effectiveness of peer collaboration and leadership.
- Peer relationships and principal leadership were identified as key drivers of these improvements, while teaching methods remained largely unchanged.
- SSP investments included infrastructure upgrades, innovative courses, and mentorship for principals, fostering a more student-centered school climate and stronger engagement.
- The study highlights the need for tailored leadership training for principals in struggling schools, as high-performing school leaders often face unique challenges in weaker schools.
- Limitations include the focus on Grade 9 students, exclusion of broader management aspects, and potential selection bias due to voluntary program participation.
- Despite limitations, the study underscores the global potential of strategic school-to-school collaboration to promote educational equity and reform.
Education Research Report: A teaching mode grounded in the MOA framework https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/2025/05/a-teaching-mode-grounded-in-moa.html
A teaching model grounded in the MOA framework was developed at Wuhan University to improve the Internet marketing course, addressing issues in traditional teaching methods. The new model focuses on motivation, opportunity, and ability by integrating diverse assignments, peer feedback, a “four-in-one” resource platform, and restructured course content. It emphasizes theoretical depth, technical rigor, practical application, and ideological resilience. The innovative approach has led to high student satisfaction, better employability, and success in graduate admissions and competitions.### Key Points
- Wuhan University redesigned its Internet marketing course to cultivate creativity–innovation–entrepreneurship (CIE) talents, addressing challenges in traditional teaching methods.
- The MOA framework (motivation, opportunity, ability) was used to identify gaps in traditional teaching, such as lack of intrinsic motivation, limited practical opportunities, and insufficient focus on innovation.
- The new trinity teaching model includes diverse assignments, peer-based evaluations, and a “four-in-one” teaching resource system with stages like cognitive learning, simulated practice, and application enhancement.
- Course content was reconstructed in five dimensions: theoretical depth, technical rigor, practical application, expansive knowledge, and ideological resilience.
- Reformed teaching evaluations, including peer assessments and embedded ideological education, contributed to improved outcomes like student satisfaction, employability, and academic success.
Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights
A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
5-20-25
The article compiles various educational, political, and societal issues, highlighting controversies, reforms, and systemic challenges. Topics range from education policies, public funding misuse, and social media trends to political decisions affecting marginalized communities.
### Key Points
- Trump’s proposed tax-and-spending plan is criticized for increasing the federal deficit, benefiting the wealthy, and harming vulnerable populations.
- Leonie Haimson advocates for smaller class sizes, inspiring Michigan’s resolution to cap class sizes to improve literacy and educational outcomes.
- Bluesky, a decentralized social media platform, gains popularity as an alternative to Twitter (X), prioritizing user control and healthier online spaces.
- Meta faces antitrust trials for monopolistic practices, raising concerns about competition, algorithmic influence, and public discourse.
- Elon Musk faces backlash for political involvement and regulatory challenges, highlighting the risks of wealth-driven political influence.
- Congress’s reconciliation bill prioritizes tax cuts for the wealthy while cutting programs like Medicaid and SNAP, harming vulnerable families and children.
- Teacher Tom promotes respecting children as individuals, fostering autonomy through progressive education methods.
- School voucher programs create financial strain on public education, benefiting wealthy families while increasing taxpayer costs.
- Seattle Public Schools face issues such as communication failures, nepotism concerns, and discussions on potential school closures.
- Dr. Julian Vasquez Heilig emphasizes leadership, discipline, and resilience in overcoming fear and failure.
- NYC schools face challenges in implementing smaller class sizes due to space limitations, despite legal mandates.
- Reddit users criticize an AI-driven persuasion experiment for ethical violations, highlighting the risks of AI misuse.
- The article critiques privatization of education, erosion of democratic protections, and misuse of public funds in failed charter schools.
