Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights
A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
6-17-25
Musk Is Gone But His DOGS Live On, Embedded in Agencies https://dianeravitch.net/2025/06/17/musk-is-gone-but-his-dogs-live-on-embedded-in-agencies/ via @dianeravitch
Musk’s involvement in the Trump administration through the Department of Governmental Efficiency (DOGE) left a legacy of embedded private-sector individuals influencing federal agencies. ProPublica’s investigation highlights conflicts of interest, lack of transparency, and questionable cost-saving claims tied to DOGE’s operations.### Key Points
- Elon Musk’s associates, known as DOGS, remain embedded in federal agencies despite his departure, with many having ties to Musk’s businesses.
- DOGE staffers, often inexperienced in government, are tasked with cutting federal programs, sometimes benefiting industries they are linked to, raising ethical concerns.
- ProPublica reveals secrecy surrounding DOGE, including staffers deleting profiles and avoiding public scrutiny, with the Trump administration blocking transparency measures.
- ProPublica’s tracker identifies 109 DOGE members across agencies, showing their limited impact on reducing the federal budget despite bold claims.
- Critics label DOGE’s efforts as corporate vandalism, accusing it of prioritizing private gains over public interest and undermining government functions.
Arizona: Cost of Universal Vouchers Reaches $872 Million per Year https://dianeravitch.net/2025/06/17/arizona-cost-of-universal-vouchers-reaches-872-million-per-year/ via @dianeravitch
Arizona's Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) voucher program is projected to cost $872 million in FY2025, with a net cost of $350 million after accounting for students' school origins. The Grand Canyon Institute (GCI) reports that 73% of universal ESA voucher recipients never attended district or charter schools. However, net new enrollees in FY2025 primarily transitioned from these schools, with significant impacts on charter schools. The universal voucher program continues to grow, but its financial burden on Arizona's General Fund is increasing.### Key Points
- Arizona's ESA voucher program is expected to cost $872 million in FY2025, with a $350 million net cost after adjustments.
- 73% of universal ESA voucher recipients never attended district or charter schools, though FY2025 saw more enrollees from these schools.
- Charter schools are disproportionately impacted by the universal ESA program, with many students moving from charter schools to the program.
- The Grand Canyon Institute provides detailed analysis and estimates based on historical and current data, reflecting the financial strain of the program.
Joyce Vance: The Kids Are Alright Despite Trump's Efforts to Kill Public Education and Academic Freedom https://dianeravitch.net/2025/06/17/joyce-vance/ via @dianeravitch
Joyce Vance reflects on the resilience and idealism of today's students as they graduate, despite the challenges posed by political decisions undermining public education and academic freedom. She criticizes Trump's "skinny budget" for education, which promotes charter schools while cutting funding for research and civic education, aligning it with his broader Project 2025 agenda. Vance emphasizes the importance of education, history, and the rule of law in preserving democracy and fostering independent thinking.### Key Points
- Joyce Vance highlights hope and resilience in graduating students, emphasizing their intelligence and commitment despite societal challenges.
- Criticism of Trump's "skinny budget," which prioritizes defense spending and charter school funding while undermining public education and independent thought.
- Trump's education reforms, such as reducing federal oversight of charter schools, are seen as politically motivated and detrimental to democracy.
- Vance underscores the role of education and historical understanding in maintaining democracy and resisting manipulation.
Big Education Ape: FLYING IN CIRCLES: THE DNC EAGLE HAS A CORPORATE PROBLEM https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/06/flying-in-circles-dnc-eagle-has.html
The article critiques the Democratic National Committee (DNC) for its internal struggles, ideological conflicts, and failure to effectively address progressive priorities. It highlights the resignation of key figures like David Hogg, Randi Weingarten, and Lee Saunders due to dissatisfaction with leadership and direction. The DNC is depicted as alienating its base by prioritizing centrism and establishment candidates, while neglecting younger, progressive voices and systemic issues like inequality and climate change. The party faces an identity crisis, torn between progressivism and centrism, risking further disconnection from its core supporters.### Key Points
- The DNC is criticized for its internal disarray, including leadership conflicts and procedural issues, leading to the resignation of prominent figures such as David Hogg, Randi Weingarten, and Lee Saunders.
- David Hogg’s push for generational change and reforms, including primarying incumbents and supporting ranked-choice voting, was met with resistance, highlighting the DNC’s reluctance to embrace progressive ideas.
- The DNC’s focus on courting suburban moderates and center-right voters risks alienating its core base of young people, working-class families, and communities of color.
- Union leaders Weingarten and Saunders criticized the DNC’s lack of a clear direction and failure to address urgent challenges, emphasizing the need for new strategies.
- The party’s inability to resolve its identity crisis—whether to be progressive or centrist—threatens its relevance and effectiveness, especially as the 2026 midterms approach.
Ohio Budget Conference Committee Should Remove Provisions that Punish 1.6 Million Public School Students and Reward Richest Taxpayers https://janresseger.wordpress.com/2025/06/17/__trashed/ via @janresseger
The article discusses the controversial Ohio state budget proposal for fiscal years 2026-2027, highlighting its adverse effects on public education funding, favoring tax cuts for the wealthy, and prioritizing privatization over public interests. It emphasizes the need to fully fund the Fair School Funding Plan to ensure equitable education for all Ohio students.### Key Points
- The Ohio Senate’s budget proposal underfunds public schools, diverts funds to private school vouchers and charter schools, and reduces public library funding, while cutting taxes for the wealthiest citizens.
- Local leaders, including Canton Mayor William Sherer and school superintendents, warn that the proposed budget threatens public education and community stability, particularly in high-poverty districts.
- The Fair School Funding Plan, designed to address disparities in school funding, is underfunded and based on outdated cost data, undermining its effectiveness.
- The budget includes flawed property tax reform proposals that could harm school districts’ financial planning and stability.
- Proposed income tax cuts disproportionately benefit the wealthiest, reducing state revenue and limiting the ability to fund public services like education.
Teacher Tom: The Old Bangeroo https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2025/06/the-old-bangeroo.html
Teacher Tom shares his playful approach to helping preschoolers transition during the day, using a hand drum humorously called "the old bangeroo" to engage children and make transitions smoother. He reflects on how this fun ritual not only entertains but also helps young children prepare for change. The story highlights the value of play-based learning and how children can take initiative, as seen when they began cleaning up even without the drum signal.### Key Points
- Teacher Tom uses a hand drum, humorously named "the old bangeroo," to signal transitions and make them enjoyable for preschoolers.
- The playful ritual helps children prepare for transitions and fosters engagement, reducing resistance.
- Children often anticipate and participate in cleanup after the drum signal, showing their readiness for change.
- A moment of initiative occurred when children cleaned up without waiting for the drum, showing their understanding of routines.
- Teacher Tom emphasizes the importance of play-based learning and its impact on children’s development.
glen brown: “Whoever would overthrow the liberty of a nation must begin by subduing the freeness of speech.” — Benjamin Franklin https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/06/whoever-would-overthrow-liberty-of.html
The article discusses the alarming trend of censorship and suppression of free speech under the Trump administration, highlighting instances where individuals, including writers and activists, were detained or denied entry into the U.S. for expressing dissenting views. It emphasizes the importance of the First Amendment and the dangers of ideological cleansing, likening current actions to authoritarian practices.### Key Points
- The Trump administration denied entry to Australian writer Alistair Kitchen due to his blog posts criticizing Trump and his allies, showcasing a crackdown on dissent.
- Instances of Americans, such as Hasan Piker and Amer Maklid, being interrogated and detained for their political beliefs or activism are highlighted, raising concerns about government overreach.
- Historical and contemporary quotes from figures like Benjamin Franklin, Abraham Lincoln, and Ronald Reagan stress the foundational role of free speech in American democracy.
- The article compares the suppression of dissent to Orwellian and Kafkaesque scenarios, warning of creeping authoritarianism and ideological policing.
Seattle Schools Community Forum: Seattle Schools Bows to Parent Demand and Lifts Waitlists https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2025/06/seattle-schools-bows-to-parent-demand.html?spref=tw
Seattle Public Schools has lifted waitlists for high-demand schools following parent advocacy, offering over 2,500 students their choice of schools and addressing long-standing enrollment issues. The district plans to explore policy changes, improve transportation for option schools, and reconsider staff allocation processes. Parents have criticized the district for years over inequities and lack of action, while enrollment declines have resulted in significant financial losses.### Key Points
- Seattle Public Schools lifted waitlists for high-demand schools, providing seats to over 2,500 students through the choice program.
- Parents and advocacy groups highlighted issues with stagnant waitlists and inequities in school choice, prompting district action.
- Enrollment declines caused financial losses for the district, with $12 million lost due to families leaving or not enrolling.
- The district is considering policy changes, including earlier application timelines, improved transportation, and revised staff allocation processes.
- Advocacy efforts exposed systemic issues, leading to discussions on closures and the future of neighborhood schools.
Bernie endorses Zohran. The Times endorses Rahm. We early voted., by @fklonsky https://open.substack.com/pub/fredklonsky/p/bernie-endorses-zohran-the-times?r=kja7f&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
Millions protested against an authoritarian regime, and Fred Klonsky early voted for Zohran Mamdani as mayor of New York, who was endorsed by Bernie Sanders. Despite Mamdani's growing support, there are concerns about his appeal among Black and Latino voters. The Cuomo campaign has launched negative ads against Mamdani, while the New York Times criticized Mamdani and endorsed Rahm Emanuel, highlighting his controversial record as Chicago's mayor.### Key Points
- Fred Klonsky early voted for Zohran Mamdani as mayor of New York, who was endorsed by Bernie Sanders.
- Concerns exist about Mamdani's appeal among Black and Latino voters, amid negative ads from the Cuomo campaign.
- The New York Times criticized Mamdani and endorsed Rahm Emanuel, despite Emanuel's controversial record as Chicago's mayor.
The article expresses strong support for the NAACP's decision not to invite Donald Trump to its 116th National Convention, emphasizing that this choice is based on principles rather than partisanship. The author argues that Trump's presidency has been marked by authoritarianism and attacks on democracy, citing examples of political violence and state-sanctioned actions against marginalized communities. The refusal to invite Trump is seen as a necessary resistance against fascism and a stand for civil rights and social justice. The article calls for active resistance against rising tyranny and highlights the importance of patriotic action in defending democracy.
### Key Points
- The NAACP's decision not to invite Trump is principled, not partisan, due to his attacks on democracy and civil rights.
- Trump's presidency has focused on authoritarian power consolidation, dismantling democratic safeguards, and state-sanctioned violence.
- The NAACP's refusal is a statement of resistance and moral courage against authoritarianism.
- Neutrality in the face of white nationalism and fascism is complicity; engagement with Trump would legitimize his actions.
- The NAACP's leadership is vital in the battle for democracy and against political warfare.
- The article calls for active resistance and organizing to protect democracy and civil rights.
Recycling Bad Ideas: Right Wing War on Public Education (Again) – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/06/17/recycling-bad-ideas-michigan-republicans-war-on-public-education-again/
### Key Points
- Michigan Senate Republicans introduced regressive education bills that recycle discredited policies.
- SB 376 proposes reinstating harmful third-grade retention policies, disproportionately affecting vulnerable students.
- SB 377, SB 380, and SB 381 aim to micromanage teacher programs, reduce teacher rights, and destabilize the profession.
- SB 378 seeks to reintroduce the A-F school accountability system, which stigmatizes schools without addressing equity or improvement.
- Proposed budget cuts would eliminate free school meals, teacher stipends, and literacy programs, reversing recent progress.
- Republicans propose making the State Board of Education a political appointment, undermining democratic accountability.
- The article advocates for equitable, evidence-based policies such as supporting literacy, teacher preparation, school nutrition, and democratic governance.
Education Research Report: Learning Styles, Preferences, or Strategies? https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/2025/06/learning-styles-preferences-or.html
The article critically examines the concept of learning styles, particularly the matching hypothesis, which suggests that aligning teaching methods with students’ preferred learning styles enhances learning outcomes. Despite its popularity, the article highlights overwhelming evidence discrediting this hypothesis. It emphasizes the need to shift focus from learning styles to teaching adaptable learning strategies that align with task complexity and learning goals. The persistence of learning styles is attributed to misconceptions, biases, commercial interests, and the appeal of individualization. The article advocates for evidence-based teaching approaches and a deeper understanding of effective learning strategies to replace the outdated notion of learning styles.### Key Points
- The matching hypothesis, which claims that students learn better when teaching aligns with their learning styles, has been discredited by research.
- Meta-analyses reveal negligible effects (d = 0.04) of matching teaching styles to learning preferences, with correlational studies showing modest relationships (r = 0.24) but not causation.
- Historical evolution of learning styles theories, including models like VAK/VARK, experiential learning, and others, has contributed to their popularity despite a lack of empirical support.
- Eight confounding factors contribute to the persistence of the learning styles myth, including conflation with learning strategies, appeal of individualization, and influence of commercial promotion.
- Studies show no significant academic advantage for matching learning styles with teaching, with many studies exhibiting methodological flaws.
- Correlational studies often confuse learning styles with learning strategies, highlighting the importance of focusing on adaptable strategies rather than fixed styles.
- The belief in learning styles persists due to biases, simplified frameworks, and commercial interests, despite overwhelming evidence against the concept.
- Effective learning occurs through teaching cognitive and metacognitive strategies tailored to task demands, focusing on adaptability and problem-solving.
- Intellectual styles, while offering some insights, are criticized for being too broad and overlapping with other traits, limiting their practical application.
- Developing self-regulation and teaching students how to choose and apply effective learning strategies is more impactful than relying on learning styles.
Education Research Report: The Intervention Effects on Teacher Well-being https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/2025/06/home-educational-psychology-review.html
The article discusses a meta-analytical review investigating the effects of interventions on teacher well-being. The study includes 176 effect sizes from 44 studies and finds a significant mean effect size of interventions (g = 0.35). The study quality, intervention type, and duration are significant moderators. This is the first study using a three-level model for such synthesis and provides guidelines for improving teacher wellness.
### Key Points
- A meta-analytical review examines the effects of interventions on teacher well-being.
- The study includes 176 effect sizes from 44 studies, finding a significant mean effect size (g = 0.35).
- Study quality, intervention type, and duration are significant moderators of the effect.
- The study uses a three-level model and offers guidelines for enhancing teacher wellness.
Education Research Report: What Impacts Should We Expect from Tutoring at Scale? https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/2025/06/what-impacts-should-we-expect-from.html
The paper discusses the significant expansion of tutoring programs in U.S. public schools following the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights the consensus among policymakers, researchers, and practitioners on the necessity of tutoring to address learning disruptions caused by the pandemic. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of large-scale tutoring initiatives and provides an analysis based on an expanded meta-analysis of 265 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) related to tutoring programs.
Key Topics and Core Ideas
Historical Context and Current Landscape:
The shift from individualized tutoring to large-scale public education systems has historically made it challenging to meet diverse student needs.
The pandemic exacerbated existing educational inequalities, prompting a renewed focus on tutoring as a solution.
Meta-Analytic Approach:
The study conducts a meta-analysis of 265 RCTs to assess the impact of tutoring on standardized test performance, particularly under large-scale implementations in the U.S.
It emphasizes the importance of aligning sample characteristics with policy-relevant targets to ensure findings are applicable to large-scale tutoring efforts.
Effect Size Findings:
The overall pooled effect size for tutoring across the full sample is 0.42 standard deviations (SD), with literacy tutoring in elementary grades showing particularly strong effects (0.46 - 0.48 SD).
However, when focusing on larger-scale programs, effect sizes decline significantly, with estimates of 0.21 SD for programs serving 400-999 students and 0.16 SD for those serving 1,000 or more students.
Hypotheses for Declining Effect Sizes:
The study explores several hypotheses to explain the reduction in effectiveness as tutoring programs scale:
Selective Reporting and Publication Bias: Smaller studies may report larger effects due to selective publication practices.
Program Design Changes: Larger programs often have less individualized attention and lower dosage.
Heterogeneous Effects: Larger programs may serve a more diverse student population, diluting overall effectiveness.
Implementation Quality: Quality may decline with scale due to increased administrative challenges.
Best Practices for Effective Tutoring:
The research identifies a bundled package of design features that can mitigate declines in effectiveness, including:
In-person tutoring during school hours.
Maintaining low student-tutor ratios.
Ensuring substantial total dosage of tutoring sessions.
Code Acts in Education: Performing AI Literacy | National Education Policy Center https://nepc.colorado.edu/blog/performing-ai-literacy
A new international test by OECD, the PISA 2029 Media & Artificial Intelligence Literacy (MAIL) assessment, aims to measure young people's competencies in engaging with AI and digital media. The test will define and standardize AI literacy globally, focusing on effective, ethical, and critical interaction with AI tools. However, concerns arise around the political and commercial influences shaping AI literacy, its potential reduction to technical skills, and the performative pressures it may impose on education systems. The OECD's efforts are seen as infrastructuring AI literacy, driving global educational policies and practices toward standardized AI competencies.### Key Points
- The OECD announced the PISA 2029 Media & Artificial Intelligence Literacy (MAIL) assessment to measure AI literacy globally, focusing on ethical, effective, and critical engagement with AI tools.
- The test aims to define AI literacy as measurable competencies, potentially influencing global education systems and policies.
- Critics argue that AI literacy risks being reduced to technical training, serving political and commercial interests, and excluding critical engagement with AI's societal implications.
- The OECD's role in standardizing AI literacy could lead to performative pressures on educators to "teach to the test," shaping curricula and teaching practices.
- Integrating AI literacy into schools may prioritize economic and geopolitical interests, with commercial entities like code.org influencing the framework.
- The OECD's testing infrastructure is viewed as a tool to institutionalize AI literacy, compelling educators and students to align with its standards.
Bizarre WAPO Opinion Piece by Hanushek and Raymond https://tultican.com/2025/06/18/bizarre-wapo-opinion-piece-by-hanushek-and-raymond/
Elected school boards are crucial to American democracy, but the article critiques the influence of billionaires and controversial education reforms promoted by figures like Eric Hanushek, Macke Raymond, Michelle Rhee, and Mike Miles. The author challenges claims about the success of merit pay, standardized testing, and charter schools, arguing these approaches lack evidence and harm public education. The piece highlights the role of billionaires in reshaping school systems, often prioritizing corporate reform agendas over student needs.### Key Points
- The article criticizes Eric Hanushek and Macke Raymond’s Washington Post opinion piece, which promotes merit pay and cites controversial figures like Michelle Rhee and Mike Miles as exemplary leaders.
- Claims about improved student performance in Dallas and Washington, D.C., under merit pay systems are disputed as weak and unsupported by robust evidence.
- Billionaires and their influence on education reform, particularly through funding and promoting charter schools, are seen as undermining public education.
- Michelle Rhee’s tenure in Washington, D.C., is described as destructive, with teacher turnover, a focus on test scores, and a cheating scandal.
- Merit pay and standardized testing are criticized as ineffective and harmful, with studies showing no significant gains in student performance.
Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights
A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
6-17-25
Big Education Ape: Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts! 6-17-25 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/06/yesterdays-gems-todays-insights-roundup_17.html
### Summary
The article is a compilation of various blog posts and articles discussing topics such as education reform, social justice, political events, and systemic inequities. It covers issues like diversity and inclusion, gun laws, teaching practices, political controversies, and school board updates, providing insights into ongoing societal and educational challenges.
### Key Points
- The Democratic National Committee faces criticism for its corporate influence, straying from its working-class roots.
- Diane Ravitch critiques Trump's opposition to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), emphasizing their historical importance and societal benefits.
- A study shows states with lax gun laws have higher firearm deaths among children, highlighting the need for stricter regulations.
- Jennifer Rubin criticizes a MAGA-backed bill for cutting healthcare and welfare programs, disproportionately harming low-income Americans and rural communities.
- Anand Giridharadas reflects on the failure of Trump's military parade, linking it to broader issues of authoritarianism and the resilience of American diversity.
- Betrayal within equity movements, using collusion as a metaphor, is explored with examples of systemic and personal impacts.
- Gender bias in student evaluations of college teaching disadvantages female faculty in certain fields, influenced by student sorting and sexist attitudes.
- Teacher Tom discusses the importance of motor plans in child development, advocating for play-based learning.
- Tennessee Governor Bill Lee faces criticism for reducing summer food benefits for low-income students, rejecting federal funding, and neglecting vulnerable populations.
- Teachers play a vital role in fostering trust and stability amid societal misinformation and alarmism.
- Larry Cuban examines the persistence of traditional teaching methods in universities and K-12 schools despite technological advancements.
- Cyber charter schools in Pennsylvania underperform despite high spending, while Arizona faces budget issues due to voucher programs.
- Seattle School Board candidate updates highlight priorities like equity, transparency, and community engagement, alongside concerns about nepotism within the district.
- Seattle Public Schools and the Seattle Education Association reached a tentative contract extension amid financial challenges.
- Diane Ravitch critiques federal education policies, advocating for equitable funding and access over ideological reforms.
- Advocacy efforts in NYC focus on reducing class sizes, with public hearings and campaigns ongoing.
- Anti-Trump protests overshadowed his military parade, while domestic unrest and Middle East tensions escalate.
- Education blogs highlight systemic inequities, privatization threats, and the importance of diversity and inclusion in schools.
