Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights: A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts! 6-5-25

 

Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights
A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
6-4-25

NPR: Trump's Agreements with Law Firms May Be Illegal https://dianeravitch.net/2025/06/04/npr-trumps-agreements-with-law-firms-may-be-illegal/ via @dianeravitch 

Soon after he was inaugurated, Trump began to inflict punishments on his enemies. That included law firms that had represented his political opponents in the past, such as federal prosecutor Jack Smith and prominent Democrats. He threatened to cancel any contracts those firms held with federal agencies and to bar them from future cases involving the federal government. Several major law firms worried about financial losses and immediately gave in to Trump’s demands. All agreed to provide pro bono services for causes chosen by Trump. But a few major law firms refused to capitulate to Trump. Instead of agreeing

### Key Points

- Trump targeted law firms representing his political opponents, threatening to cancel their federal contracts and exclude them from future government cases. 

- Some law firms complied with Trump’s demands, agreeing to provide pro bono services for his chosen causes, while others challenged him in court and won. 

- Legal experts argue that Trump’s actions and agreements with law firms are illegal, as they violate basic principles of American law. 

- The White House claimed that law firms agreed to $1 billion in pro bono services to avoid investigations, but details of these agreements remain unclear. 

- Critics highlight that deals made under coercion, such as Trump’s threats, are not legally valid. 

John Thompson: "Proficiency" Is NOT Grade Level, Not Even in Oklahoma https://dianeravitch.net/2025/06/04/john-thompson-proficiency-is-not-grade-level-not-even-in-oklahoma/ via @dianeravitch 

John Thompson: “Proficiency” Is NOT Grade Level, Not Even in Oklahoma By diane ravitch June 4, 2025 // 8 Oklahoma’s State Superintendent, Ryan Walters, changed last years’ testing cut scores, redefining the term “proficient” in the state’s accountability data. Fortunately, there has been a bipartisan backlash against Walters’ lack of transparency when making the change, which looked like an effort to trick Oklahomans into believing that he had improved student outcomes. But, this month, the Oklahoma Commission for Educational Quality and Accountability brought back a misleading, inappropriate, and destructive definition of the term proficiency for accountability purposes. In doing

### Key Points

- Oklahoma's State Superintendent, Ryan Walters, adjusted testing cut scores, redefining "proficiency" in a way that misrepresented student outcomes, leading to bipartisan criticism for his lack of transparency. 

- The Oklahoma Commission for Educational Quality and Accountability reinforced the misuse of "proficiency," aligning it with grade level, a tactic criticized for undermining public education and promoting privatization. 

- The misuse of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) data has been a longstanding issue, with corporate reformers and political agendas distorting its purpose for accountability rather than diagnostics. 

- Proficiency on NAEP is often misunderstood; it represents high-level mastery, not grade-level performance, leading to false narratives about school effectiveness. 

- Experts argue for rethinking standardized testing, emphasizing its diagnostic value over accountability, and caution against its overuse and politicization. 

Jeff Bezos Flails in Desperation, As He Struggles to Revive Washington Post https://dianeravitch.net/2025/06/04/jeff-bezos-flails-in-desperation-as-he-struggles-to-revive-washington-post/ via @dianeravitch 

Jeff Bezos, who purchased The Washington Post from the Graham family, initially promised to uphold its values of independent journalism. However, in 2024, due to potential conflicts with his other business interests, he began to shift the paper’s editorial stance, notably avoiding criticism of Trump. This led to significant departures among the Post's staff. To revitalize the paper, Bezos launched "Ripple," a program to expand opinion content by recruiting writers from various platforms, including nonprofessionals, with AI editing assistance. This move aims to broaden the paper's appeal but has been met with skepticism and concern over the erosion of journalistic quality.

### Key Points

- Jeff Bezos changed The Washington Post's editorial stance to avoid antagonizing Trump, leading to staff departures. 

- Bezos introduced "Ripple," a program to expand opinion content using writers from diverse backgrounds and AI editing. 

- The initiative aims to provide more breadth than traditional opinion sections and better quality than social platforms. 

- Concerns are raised about the decline in journalistic standards and the impact of corporate ownership on media integrity. 

Paul Szep, Canadian Cartoonist https://dianeravitch.net/2025/06/04/paul-szep-canadian-cartoonist/ via @dianeravitch 

Rosa DeLauro Flays Russ Vought, Director of OMB https://dianeravitch.net/2025/06/04/rosa-delauro-flays-russ-vought-director-of-omb/ via @dianeravitch

This article highlights Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro's strong stance on education and labor issues, particularly her criticism of Russ Vought, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, for his role in Project 2025. The blog also touches on related topics such as education funding, labor rights, and political accountability.

### Key Points

- Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-Connecticut) is recognized as a pro-labor and pro-public schools advocate. She is noted for her critique of Russ Vought regarding Project 2025. 

- The blog discusses broader themes like budget cuts, extremism, freedom of speech, and education reforms. 

- Recent posts and topics include critiques of Trump’s policies, charter school funding, and the influence of billionaires on education. 

- Diane Ravitch's blog serves as a platform to discuss democracy, education, and political accountability. 

Big Education Ape: COMMUNIST BILLIONAIRE: AN OXYMORON OR JUST BUSINESS AS USUAL https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/06/communist-billionaire-oxymoron-or-just.html 

China's paradoxical relationship with billionaires under communist rule, and tax systems in China and the U.S. The articles highlight systemic challenges, political ideologies, and economic strategies shaping these domains.

### Key Points

- Analysis of China's "communist billionaires" and their navigation of capitalism under state control. 

- Overview of China's tax policies, including reduced corporate tax rates and consumption tax focus, compared to U.S. tax systems. 

- Discussion on Xi Jinping's "common prosperity" initiative and its implications for wealth redistribution and inequality. 

- The paradox of China's economic model blending socialism and capitalism while managing billionaire influence. 

Big Education Ape: LINDA MCMAHON: THE HITMAN OF EDUCATION OR JUST A MISGUIDED SUBSTITUTE TEACHER? https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/06/linda-mcmahon-hitman-of-education-or.html 

LINDA MCMAHON: THE HITMAN OF EDUCATION OR JUST A MISGUIDED SUBSTITUTE TEACHER?  

### Key Points

- Education Secretary Linda McMahon’s tenure under Trump is marked by efforts to dismantle the Department of Education, slash funding, and prioritize privatization over inclusivity. 

- McMahon’s controversial policies include redefining Title IX to exclude transgender individuals and threatening schools with funding cuts for inclusivity. 

- Federal budget cuts and alignment of education and research funding with Trump’s goals undermine public education and scientific independence. 

- McMahon’s actions against New York’s ban on Native American mascots highlight contradictions in her civil rights stance. 

- Public backlash and legal challenges define McMahon’s legacy, emphasizing ideology over equitable education. 

glen brown: “We’re in a moment of maximum engagement” https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/06/were-in-moment-of-maximum-engagement.html 

The article discusses the ongoing political struggles in the U.S., focusing on the House Democrats' resistance to a controversial Republican tax and spending bill. It highlights the Democrats' strategic efforts to expose the bill's unpopularity, the challenges faced by Republicans, and the broader implications of the legislation for healthcare, green investments, and public welfare. The piece also emphasizes the role of public engagement, media focus, and activism in shaping the political narrative.

### Key Points

- House Democrats resisted a highly unpopular GOP tax and spending bill by prolonging debates, proposing amendments, and forcing Republicans into difficult votes. 

- The bill includes severe Medicaid cuts, healthcare reductions, and green energy rollbacks, sparking public outrage and media scrutiny. 

- Democrats framed Republicans as serving the wealthy while harming ordinary Americans, leveraging public protests and media to amplify their message. 

- The bill's unpopularity has created internal GOP discord and risks for swing-seat Republicans, while Senate Democrats face pressure to block or modify it. 

- Public engagement and activism are credited with exposing the bill's flaws and holding Republicans accountable. 

glen brown: "History won’t forgive us for sleepwalking into tyranny" https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/06/history-wont-forgive-us-for.html 

"History Won’t Forgive Us for Sleepwalking into Tyranny" by Thom Hartmann is an urgent call to recognize and resist the normalization of authoritarianism in modern America. The article discusses how incremental steps erode democracy, drawing parallels with historical fascist regimes. It emphasizes the dangers of complacency, the importance of outrage, and the need for active resistance to preserve democratic values.

### Key Points

- The normalization of authoritarianism occurs gradually, often unnoticed, through small, incremental actions that desensitize the public. 

- Historical examples, such as Nazi Germany, illustrate how ordinary people adapted to oppressive regimes, failing to resist due to uncertainty, fear, and habituation. 

- The article highlights Donald Trump's actions, including undermining democratic norms, praising dictators, and weaponizing civic numbness, as key examples of this erosion of democracy. 

- The antidote to normalization is active resistance, including voting, organizing, and public demonstrations, to combat authoritarian tendencies and protect democratic ideals. 

glen brown: From Senator Chris Murphy https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/06/from-senator-chris-murphy.html 

A blog post by Glen Brown and a statement from Senator Chris Murphy discuss political corruption, social injustices, and the ongoing fight against policies favoring billionaires at the expense of working-class citizens. Senator Murphy highlights Republican efforts to pass tax cuts for billionaires while cutting essential programs like Medicaid and Medicare, emphasizing the need for mass mobilization and opposition to protect democracy.

### Key Points

- Glen Brown shares philosophical reflections on writing and resistance, quoting Ambrose Bierce and Albert Camus. 

- Senator Chris Murphy criticizes Republican tax cut plans benefiting billionaires at the expense of social programs, calling for immediate action to prevent further corruption. 

- Democrats proposed amendments to block billionaire tax cuts and protect programs like IVF but were unanimously opposed by Republicans. 

- Murphy emphasizes the urgency of public mobilization and accountability to safeguard democracy. 

- The blog explores diverse topics like pensions, education reform, social justice, environmental issues, and political corruption. 

Why Everyone Needs a Place to Go Home—Before It’s Too Late https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/06/04/why-everyone-needs-a-place-to-go-home-before-its-too-late/ 

Why Everyone Needs a Place to Go Home—Before It’s Too Late

### Key Points

- Leaders and individuals need a "home," a safe space—physical or metaphorical—that allows them to recalibrate, find peace, and reconnect with their authentic selves. 

- The constant motion in leadership, driven by the myth of hyper-productivity, leads to burnout and disconnection, which hinders meaningful progress and leadership effectiveness. 

- Rest and balance are essential for leaders to lead with compassion, clarity, and intention, rather than from exhaustion or depletion. 

- Building a leadership culture that values rest and humanity is critical. Policies and norms should support individuals in finding and returning to their "home." 

- Leaders who prioritize rest and balance strengthen their vision, decision-making, and overall impact in justice-oriented work. 

Education Research Report: Mathematics and Science PD Interventions and Student Achievement https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/2025/06/mathematics-and-science-pd.html 

Education Research Report: Mathematics and Science PD Interventions and Student Achievement  

### Key Points

- Teacher professional development (PD) interventions in mathematics and science can enhance student achievement, though the mechanisms behind this improvement remain unclear.   

- A meta-analysis of 46 experimental studies on PK-12 mathematics and science PD interventions reveals positive impacts on teacher-level outcomes, such as knowledge and classroom instruction (+0.52 SD).   

- Programs with greater teacher-level improvements also show larger effects on student achievement. 

Education Research Report: How class culture forms how students think about topics critically, engage with material https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/2025/06/how-class-culture-forms-how-students.html 

Education Research Report: How Classroom Culture Shapes Students' Thinking  

### Key Points  

- Teachers and students collaboratively construct thinking processes in classrooms through social interactions, challenging the notion of teachers solely transferring knowledge.   

- The concept of "languaging," which includes verbal and nonverbal communication, helps students develop critical and reflective thinking about material, as observed in an eighth-grade English class analyzing Longfellow’s poem "The Witnesses."   

- Teachers hold students accountable for their thoughts by encouraging articulation, reasoning, and reflection, fostering a dynamic construction of thinking practices.   

- Acknowledging and building upon students' contributions enables them to co-author the thinking process, deepening engagement and participation.   

- The study suggests expanding research to other subjects and smaller group settings to understand how classroom culture influences thinking across disciplines. 

Teacher Tom: The Universal Language https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2025/06/the-universal-language.html 

The Universal Language explores the idea that plants, like humans, communicate eloquently through non-verbal means such as chemical signals, movement, and interaction. Drawing inspiration from Robin Wall Kimmerer’s insights, the article delves into how communication transcends words, emphasizing intuition, instinct, and observation as vital tools for understanding. It connects this concept to early childhood education, highlighting how children, like plants, express themselves through play and behavior, revealing truths that words cannot fully capture.

### Key Points

- Plants communicate through non-verbal signals such as pheromones, chemical compounds, and movements, which can be considered a form of storytelling. 

- Communication does not necessarily require conscious intent, as plants send and respond to signals that influence their environment and survival. 

- Intuition, rooted in subconscious reasoning, is a powerful form of communication, akin to instinct, and helps interpret non-verbal cues. 

- Non-verbal communication, like body language and play, is a universal language that reflects truth and connects all living beings. 

- In early childhood education, observing and reflecting on children's play reveals their thoughts and emotions, emphasizing the role of teachers as researchers. 

Who Controls Science Controls: "we all need to conform to the science" https://radicalscholarship.com/2025/06/04/who-controls-science-controls-we-all-need-to-conform-to-the-science/ via @plthomasEdD

The article discusses the political and ideological control over what is considered "science" in education, particularly through policies like No Child Left Behind (NCLB) and the "science of" movements. It highlights the conservative agenda behind these movements and the de-professionalization of teachers through scripted curricula. The article criticizes the narrow definition of "science" used to enforce these policies, arguing that scientific research should inform teaching without being manipulated for political purposes.

### Key Points

- The seeds of destructive education policies during the Trump administration were planted by George W. Bush's education agenda, including NCLB. 

- NCLB's "scientifically based" mandate paradoxically led to a reading crisis blamed on teachers not using the "science of reading." 

- The "science of" movements are criticized for de-professionalizing teachers and enforcing conservative ideology. 

- Jefferson argues that the science of learning lacks sufficient evidence and is used to control educational practices. 

- The "science of" movement is more about political control than improving education, paralleling misuse of "science" by political figures. 

- The Trump administration's push for "gold-standard science" is a continuation of political mandates distorting education reform. 

Pride Under Siege: The LAPD’s Troubled History With the LGBTQ+ Community https://www.changethelausd.com/pride_under_siege_the_lapd_s_troubled_history_with_the_lgbtq_community 

Los Angeles has a historically strained relationship between the LGBTQ+ community and the LAPD. The article highlights past instances of discrimination, harassment, and violence faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, including within the police force itself. Despite an official apology in 2023, the LAPD’s recent handling of protests, such as the one at Saticoy Elementary School, raises concerns about their commitment to protecting LGBTQ+ people. The article recounts personal experiences of violence during the protest, police inaction, and the need for better preparation to ensure safety during Pride Month and beyond.

### Key Points

- The LAPD has a long history of mistreating LGBTQ+ individuals, including internal hostility and external discrimination. 

- Past lawsuits and protests revealed systemic problems within the LAPD, which failed to protect LGBTQ+ rights. 

- During a 2023 protest at Saticoy Elementary School, the LAPD allowed violent interactions between anti-LGBTQ+ protestors and supporters, failing to safeguard the latter group. 

- The author experienced violence during the protest and documented police negligence, including an officer threatening arrest instead of addressing the assault. 

- Despite promises to investigate, there has been little resolution or accountability for the LAPD’s actions. 

- The rise in anti-LGBTQ+ protests demands a review of police protocols to prevent future violence and ensure safety during events like Pride Month. 

Seattle Schools Community Forum: This and That (Sad Edition) https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2025/06/this-and-that-sad-edition.html?spref=tw 

### Key Points

- The Seattle Schools Community Forum discusses issues affecting Seattle Public Schools, including news and opinions on public education. 

- A tragic incident in Wenatchee involved three young sisters, students of Lincoln Elementary School, who were allegedly murdered by their father, impacting the school community deeply. 

- Another tragedy occurred when a Northport High School student athlete and his coach lost their lives during a beach trip after a baseball game, deeply affecting the small Northport community. 

- A budget meeting highlighted significant financial challenges for the Seattle School District, including deficits and declining enrollment, which may impact collective bargaining agreements. 

- Concerns about nepotism in Seattle schools were raised, citing instances of promotions and job shifts influenced by personal connections within the district. 

5th Annual #TeachTruth Day of Action — June 7, 2025 — It’s not too late to organize or join an event near you. https://open.substack.com/pub/jessehagopian/p/5th-annual-teachtruth-day-of-action?r=kja7f&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false 

5th Annual #TeachTruth Day of Action — June 7, 2025 — It’s not too late to organize or join an event near you! https://iamaneducator.com/2025/06/04/5th-annual-teachtruth-day-of-action-june-7-2025-its-not-too-late-to-organize-or-join-an-event-near-you/ via @JessedHagopian 

### Key Points

- The 5th Annual Teach Truth Day of Action is scheduled for June 7, 2025, with over 200 events planned to resist laws banning the teaching of systemic racism, gender oppression, and other critical social issues. 

- These "truthcrime" laws censor honest history, punish educators, silence students, and promote authoritarianism, with examples including Florida's curriculum standards on slavery and the suppression of discussions on Palestine, Black history, and gender identity. 

- The movement aims to defend the freedom to learn and critical thinking by organizing events such as banned book read-ins, historical tours, teach-ins, rallies, and protest art creation. 

- Participants can host or join events through the Zinn Education Project, which provides free resources, promotional support, and educational materials, including books like "Teach Truth: The Struggle for Antiracist Education." 

- Teach Truth Day events draw inspiration from past resistance movements, such as Seattle’s 1966 Freedom Schools, and focus on amplifying marginalized voices and promoting liberatory education. 

- Jesse Hagopian, an advocate for antiracist education, emphasizes the need to resist erasure, authoritarianism, and the banning of truthful education. 

Tony Thurmond Responds to DOJ Letter on CIF Policy - Year 2025 (CA Dept of Education) https://www.cde.ca.gov/nr/ne/yr25/yr25rel32.asp 

State Superintendent Tony Thurmond responded to a U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) letter addressed to California local educational agencies (LEAs) regarding the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) policy. The DOJ's letter suggests legal liability for LEAs complying with CIF's policy, which allows students to participate in athletics consistent with their gender identity. Thurmond clarified that the DOJ letter does not alter existing federal or state laws, emphasizing that California law has protected students' rights in this area since 2013. He reaffirmed the state's commitment to ensuring all students' safety and access to athletics.

### Key Points

- State Superintendent Tony Thurmond addressed a DOJ letter claiming legal liability for LEAs adhering to CIF's gender identity policy. 

- Thurmond clarified that the DOJ letter does not introduce new federal laws and reaffirmed California law protecting students' rights since 2013. 

- California will continue to uphold its laws, ensuring safety and inclusion for all athletes. 

- Further details and Thurmond's response are available on the CDE's federal actions web page. 

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/ref=sr_1_1?

This article discusses Diane Ravitch's upcoming memoir, "An Education: How I Changed My Mind About Schools and Almost Everything Else," set to be released on October 21, 2025. Ravitch, a historian and former conservative education reform advocate, recounts her ideological shift from supporting standardized testing and privatization to advocating for public schools and addressing systemic inequality in education. The book blends personal reflections with decades of research, making a compelling case for greater investment in public education.

### Key Points

- Diane Ravitch's memoir explores her ideological transformation from a proponent of conservative education reforms to a critic of privatization and standardized testing. 

- The book highlights her belief that poverty, not failing schools or bad teachers, is the root cause of educational inequality. 

- Ravitch shares her personal and professional journey, including her government service and advocacy for public schools. 

- The memoir combines personal anecdotes with research to argue for systemic changes in education, including better support for professional teachers. 

- Published by Columbia University Press, the book is 240 pages long and will be available in multiple formats. 

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 

Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights
A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!

6-4-25 

The article compiles various updates and discussions regarding education, politics, societal issues, and activism. Topics include critiques of privatization in education, systemic inequality, LGBTQIA+ rights, federal budget cuts, Ukraine's military successes, and the role of political interference in education. It also highlights key figures, initiatives, and controversies shaping education and public policy.

### Key Points  

- Diane Ravitch's blog features Rosa DeLauro critiquing Russ Vought's policies, emphasizing her pro-labor and pro-public school stance.   

- State Superintendent Tony Thurmond responds to the DOJ's letter on California's CIF policy.   

- Jesse Hagopian promotes the #TeachTruth Day of Action to resist truthcrime laws and protect educational freedom.   

- Elon Musk criticizes Trump's budget and tax bill as bloated but benefits from federal funding for his companies.   

- NPR sues the Trump administration over unconstitutional funding cuts, defending press freedom and editorial independence.   

- Ukraine achieves significant military victories, including a drone strike neutralizing 41 Russian bombers, showcasing its strategic capabilities.   

- Charter schools in California, originally meant for innovation, have shifted towards profit-driven models under billionaire influence.   

- Education Secretary Linda McMahon faces backlash for policies undermining public education and inclusivity.   

- Penny Schwinn's role in education reform sparks criticism for prioritizing privatization and ethical concerns.   

- Betrayal in educational leadership destabilizes justice efforts but inspires resilience and accountability.   

- Santa Ono's rejection as University of Florida president highlights political interference in education.   

- Trump's administration dismantles civil rights protections in education, targeting DEI initiatives and marginalized communities.   

- Sandy Koufax's legacy as a principled athlete and baseball icon is celebrated.   

- Children are not "blank slates"; the article advocates for play-based learning and nurturing natural growth.   

- Bill Gates' history of failed education reforms and overhyped AI promises face criticism.   

- Seattle police's crackdown on LGBTQIA+ protesters reflects systemic bias and rising fascism.   

- Cutting federal aid to schools would harm student achievement, especially in high-poverty districts.   

- Diane Ravitch's memoir details her shift from supporting privatization to advocating for public education.   

- Nationwide protests criticize Trump's $45M military parade, emphasizing anti-fascism and democracy.   

- Oakland Unified School District faces leadership changes, financial challenges, and declining charter school influence.   

- The "parental rights" movement is critiqued for undermining children's autonomy and well-being.