Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights
A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
8-4-25
CURMUDGUCATION: ICYMI: AFK Edition (8/3) https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2025/08/icymi-afk-edition-83.html
This article is a roundup of various education-related topics and commentary, curated by Peter Greene. It includes critiques, analyses, and updates on issues such as AI literacy, school takeovers, public education policies, and the influence of Christian nationalism on schools. The writer also highlights external pieces he published and provides links to other relevant blogs and resources.### Key Points
- Nancy Flanagan critiques media hysteria over education crises.
- Audrey Watters exposes the flaws in MacKenzie Price's 2HourLearning.
- Steve Nuzum analyzes school takeover policies.
- Nancy Bailey discusses the problematic push for AI literacy for preschoolers.
- TC Weber covers Penny Schwinn's federal education department developments and Tennessee-related news.
- Jeff Bryant examines how the Trump administration uses education to deepen inequality.
- Sue Kingery Woltanski questions Florida school leaders inviting prayers from school dismantlers.
- Thomas Ultican investigates Christian nationalism's influence on education.
- Jennifer Berkshire critiques Democrats' handling of education issues.
- Clay Horning addresses Ryan Walters' scandal, "Naked Ladygate."
- Anne Lutz Fernandez explains how AI hype disempowers workers.
- Peter Greene questions the effectiveness of school choice policies in rescuing failing schools.
- Greene highlights the collapse of a major Montessori-inspired school chain.
- Greene promotes his newsletter and other platforms for education commentary.
- Brandon Durst plans to launch a Christian charter school in Idaho.
- Arizona demonstrates misuse of taxpayer-funded school vouchers.
Bring the Message, Spark the Movement: Why I Speak—and Why It Matters Now – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/08/03/bring-the-message-spark-the-movement-why-i-speak-and-why-it-matters-now/
Bring the Message, Spark the Movement: Why I Speak—and Why It Matters Now### Key Points
- Keynotes are designed to spark action, moving audiences from comfort to conviction, and are tailored to the needs of each organization.
- The speaker is invited by diverse entities, including universities, nonprofits, businesses, and civic organizations, aiming to shift culture and drive meaningful change.
- The speeches are rooted in lived experience, combining roles as professor, policy advisor, and civil rights advocate, with strategies informed by real-world challenges.
- The speaker has addressed national organizations and universities globally, connecting local and global issues in education, equity, and leadership.
- Topics include privatization of education, leadership courage, AI ethics, inclusive institutions, academic freedom, justice-driven college access, and intersectional advocacy.
- Q&A sessions create dialogue and co-creation of ideas, fostering deeper engagement and actionable outcomes.
- The speaker emphasizes the urgency of addressing inequities in education and leadership in the current political climate.
- The platform, Cloaking Inequity, publishes reflections on education, democracy, and culture, encouraging readers to stay informed.
New Report Reveals Little Growth in the Charter School Sector Despite Years of Increasing Federal Investment - Network For Public Education https://networkforpubliceducation.org/new-report-reveals-little-growth-in-the-charter-school-sector-despite-years-of-increasing-federal-investment/
### Key Points- A report by the National Center for Charter School Accountability reveals stagnation and closures in the charter school sector, with 50 schools closing in the first half of 2025 and 218 closing or failing to open between 2022-2024.
- New charter school openings have slowed significantly, with only a net gain of 11 schools between 2022-2024, contrasting with prior decades of growth.
- Despite declining performance, federal funding for charter schools has risen to $500 million annually, with many schools misusing funds or failing to open.
- Financial abuses were highlighted, including mega-charters spending millions on advertising while showing poor student proficiency rates and fraudulent claims of public funds by some schools.
- Approximately 13% of charter schools have fewer than 100 students, with some operating with fewer than 12 students, raising concerns about oversight and efficiency.
- Advocacy leaders argue that the charter school model has been exploited by for-profit interests and call for reinvestment in transparent and equitable public schools.
When 83% Say No, But Slaughter and Starvation Continue in Gaza. This isn’t just about Gaza. It’s about the machinery of empire. https://michaelklonsky.substack.com/p/when-83-say-no-but-slaughter-and
### Key Points- A Gallup poll reveals that 83% of Democratic voters oppose Israel's war on Gaza, yet the conflict continues with U.S. taxpayer-funded weapons and bipartisan approval.
- Human rights experts, including HRW's Tirana Hassan, label the war as genocide, highlighting its calculated policy of deprivation and extermination.
- The disconnect between public opinion and policy reflects a democratic crisis, reminiscent of the Vietnam War era, where party leadership ignored the majority's opposition.
- Despite opposition, U.S. arms shipments to Israel persist, though efforts like Senator Bernie Sanders' votes to block arms sales show signs of congressional fracturing.
- The article emphasizes the broader issue of empire machinery and questions what happens when leaders ignore the people's opposition. Frederick Douglass's quote underscores resistance as the path to justice.
glen brown: "On Friday, Donald Trump did what every good (bad?) dictator does": https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/08/on-friday-donald-trump-did-what-every.html
This article discusses various themes, including political authoritarianism, historical revisionism, and societal resistance, using Donald Trump’s actions as a central example. It draws parallels between current events and George Orwell’s dystopian novel "1984," emphasizing the importance of staying informed and resisting attempts to manipulate truth. The author critiques Trump’s dismissal of Bureau of Labor Statistics Commissioner Erika McEntarfer, his influence on historical exhibits, and his broader agenda to control narratives. The piece encourages readers to counter these efforts through awareness, humor, and activism.### Key Points
- Donald Trump dismissed Bureau of Labor Statistics Commissioner Erika McEntarfer, accusing her of manipulating job numbers, reflecting authoritarian tendencies.
- Historical revisionism is highlighted with the Smithsonian’s removal of Trump’s impeachment references under White House pressure, likened to Orwellian rewriting of history.
- Trump’s impeachments, tied to Ukraine aid and January 6 events, remain unchangeable historical facts despite attempts to erase them.
- The article draws parallels between Trump's actions and themes from Orwell’s "1984," suggesting he uses the novel as a guide rather than a warning.
- Encourages resistance through informed activism, humor, and ridicule, citing art and theater as examples of societal pushback.
Schools Matter: Putin Tutored GOP on How to Establish Dictator-Controlled Oligarchy? http://www.schoolsmatter.info/2025/08/putin-tutored-gop-on-how-to-establish.html
Republican senators visited Russia amid U.S. intelligence affirming election interference, avoided pressing critical issues like Crimea, and showcased alignment with President Trump's controversial stance towards Russian relations.Detailed Summary for [Republicans On Board With President Trump In Odd Deference To Russian Goals | Rachel Maddow | MSNBC](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhLmdRMRSxg&t=1s) by [Monica](https://monica.im)
[00:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhLmdRMRSxg&t=1s&t=0.834) The video discusses the juxtaposition of a Senate report on Russian interference in U.S. elections with Republican senators' visit to Russia, emphasizing the odd alignment between the two events.
- Introduction to the Senate's report on Russian election interference.}
- Republican senators are in Russia while the report is released, indicating a notable contradiction.}
- Alabama Senator Richard Shelby expresses optimism about an upcoming meeting between Trump and Putin.}
- Highlighting the anticipation of a significant meeting between the U.S. and Russian leaders in Helsinki.}
[02:30](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhLmdRMRSxg&t=1s&t=150.485) This video segment discusses a delegation of Republican senators visiting Russia, highlighting their unusual approach to fostering better relations with Russian officials despite ongoing tensions.
- Senator Richard Shelby expresses a desire for improved U.S.-Russia relations during a meeting with Russian officials.}
- The delegation consists entirely of Republican senators, indicating a unified party stance on engaging with Russia.}
- The senators met with Sergei Kislyak, the former Russian ambassador to the U.S., who has been a controversial figure due to his connections during the Russian interference in U.S. politics.}
- Kislyak returned to Moscow after the meeting and received numerous accolades, reflecting the Russian government's recognition of his role.}
[05:03](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhLmdRMRSxg&t=1s&t=303.373) The video discusses a meeting between Russian lawmakers and American Republicans, highlighting the lack of concern from the U.S. side regarding Russian interference in elections and the absence of discussions on Crimea.
- A Russian lawmaker reflects on past meetings with American lawmakers, noting that the recent meeting was unusually straightforward.}
- The topic of Russian interference in American elections was quickly dismissed, with the Russian side asserting they did not interfere.}
- The visiting Republicans did not press the Russian government on election meddling or any other significant issues, including the situation in Crimea.}
- The absence of any mention of Crimea during the two-hour meeting is described as a peculiar moment in U.S.-Russia relations.}
[07:30](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhLmdRMRSxg&t=1s&t=450.621) This segment discusses President Trump's seemingly rapid concessions to Russia, including the potential formal recognition of Crimea as Russian territory, and highlights the lack of consultation with U.S. military leadership regarding these significant policy changes.
- President Trump is on a swift path of granting Russia its demands.}
- There are discussions about formally recognizing Crimea as part of Russia.}
- It is noted that President Trump did not consult with U.S. military before making this policy change.}
- Trump was reportedly offered financial incentives by France to withdraw from the European Union.}
- Concerns are raised about the possibility of the U.S. leaving NATO.}
[10:01](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhLmdRMRSxg&t=1s&t=601.773) The video discusses the complexities of President Trump's relationship with Russia and the implications for the Republican Party as they approach the midterm elections.
- The Republican Party appears to be losing ground in their argument regarding Trump's actions and decisions.}
- In anticipation of the upcoming summit with Vladimir Putin, Trump has taken steps that seem to undermine U.S. interests.}
- There has been a noticeable shift in the dynamics between Republican officials and Trump, especially concerning his controversial ties to Russia.}
- Trump's close relationship with Russia continues to be a contentious issue, raising concerns among Republicans and contributing to ongoing investigations.}
Medicaid at 60: A Legacy of Protecting Children, Now Under Threat | First Focus on Children https://firstfocus.org/update/medicaid-at-60-a-legacy-of-protecting-children-now-under-threat/
Medicaid at 60: A Legacy of Protecting Children, Now Under Threat### Key Points
- Medicaid, established in 1965, has provided health care coverage to over 37 million children, including those living in poverty, children with special health care needs, and children in foster care.
- Medicaid/CHIP programs have significantly reduced uninsured rates among children, improved access to preventive care, and contributed to better long-term health and economic outcomes.
- H.R. 1, signed into law in 2025, introduces severe cuts to Medicaid and CHIP, threatening health coverage for millions of children and reducing retroactive coverage periods, impacting vulnerable families.
- Restrictions in H.R. 1 on provider taxes and state-directed payments will reduce support for pediatric health care providers, jeopardizing access to care for children.
- The law imposes stricter immigrant eligibility rules and work reporting requirements, increasing administrative burdens and risking coverage loss for children and families.
- Cuts in Medicaid funding will disproportionately harm children of color, those in rural areas, and children with disabilities, while accelerating rural hospital closures and limiting essential health services.
- School-based health services, reliant on Medicaid funding, face severe reductions, impacting therapy, mental health care, and educational programs for children with disabilities.
- H.R. 1 undermines Medicaid’s role in fostering intergenerational economic mobility, potentially leading to poorer health, lower educational attainment, and reduced lifetime earnings for millions of children.
The Ozzman Goeth Ozzy Osbourne, the Godfather of metal, cultivated an image of the madman “Prince of Darkness.” His concerts showed a much different persona.https://www.changethelausd.com/the_ozzman_goeth
From “Crazy Train” to his final farewell, the article reflects on Ozzy Osbourne’s legacy, his impact on heavy metal, and his connection with fans. It recounts key moments in his career, his live performances, and his ability to inspire outsiders through his music. The piece also touches on the challenges Ozzy faced, including personal struggles and his declining health, culminating in his farewell concert and subsequent passing in 2025.### Key Points
- Ozzy Osbourne’s song “Crazy Train” left a lasting impression and marked his unique style in heavy metal.
- Black Sabbath, co-founded by Ozzy, heavily influenced the creation of heavy metal, inspiring bands like Metallica.
- Ozzy’s live performances were defined by charisma, theatrical antics, and iconic songs, despite vocal limitations.
- The Ozzfest festival, founded by Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne, showcased major metal bands and demonstrated Ozzy’s consistency as a performer.
- Ozzy’s music often carried inspirational messages, resonating with fans who felt like outsiders.
- His farewell concert in 2025 was a bittersweet moment, highlighting his declining health but allowing him to say goodbye to fans.
The Wheels on the Bus… Are Underfunded Florida lawmakers scrapped school start time reforms rather than Address underfunded Student transportation—will they now divert those same dollars to private school vouchers? – Accountabaloney https://accountabaloney.com/the-wheels-on-the-bus-are-underfunded/
Florida lawmakers repealed a science-backed school start time reform due to underfunded student transportation issues, despite evidence that later start times improve student outcomes. Instead of addressing public school transportation funding shortfalls, they are considering expanding funds for private school vouchers and transportation stipends. Florida’s public school transportation system is chronically underfunded, covering only 45.3% of costs in 2025–26 compared to 54% in 2005–06. Voucher advocates are lobbying for increased access to transportation funds, potentially diverting resources from public schools already struggling with driver shortages and inadequate funding.### Key Points
- Florida repealed a law mandating later school start times due to logistical challenges and lack of funding.
- Public school transportation funding in Florida is inadequate, covering only 45.3% of costs in 2025–26.
- Voucher advocates are pushing for expanded transportation stipends for private school students, diverting funds from public schools.
- Florida’s universal voucher program already allocates transportation funding to voucher recipients, despite private schools not offering transportation.
- The state slashed funding for transportation stipends from $14 million to $3 million, further limiting access.
Competing Traditions of Teaching: An Old Story Written Anew https://larrycuban.wordpress.com/2025/08/03/competing-traditions-of-teaching-an-old-story-written-anew-2/ via @CubanLarry
### Key Points- The article reflects on the repetitive nature of debates surrounding school reform and teaching practices, emphasizing the need to revisit historical lessons.
- Two competing traditions of teaching—teacher-centered and student-centered—have long existed, each with distinct goals, practices, and outcomes.
- Despite the lack of definitive evidence favoring one tradition, hybrid approaches combining both methods have dominated classrooms for over a century.
- Standards-based reforms and high-stakes testing since the 1990s have led to an increase in teacher-centered instruction, especially in underperforming schools.
- Teachers often feel pressured to prioritize test preparation over student-centered activities, narrowing classroom instruction to meet state standards.
- Even with the dominance of teacher-centered methods, hybrid teaching practices persist, allowing teachers some autonomy in lesson planning despite systemic pressures.
- The ongoing struggle over teaching methods highlights both constancy and change in education, with competing traditions continuing into the 2020s.
Yesterday's Gems, Today’s Insights: A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
### Key Points
- Donald Trump fired a Bureau official after unfavorable job report statistics, raising concerns about authoritarian behavior.
- Charter school sector shows minimal growth despite increased federal investment, as per NCCSA report.
- Seattle Schools Community Forum discusses nepotism, zoning issues, and advanced learning services.
- Unity's manipulative election tactics highlight power struggles within unions and call for reforms.
- The shrinking Great Salt Lake due to climate change and water mismanagement causes ecological and economic impacts, with proposed conservation solutions.
- AI development poses ethical dilemmas, with warnings about self-preservation tactics like blackmail and hacking.
- Penny Schwinn’s withdrawal from Deputy Secretary of Education nomination reflects privatization debates and Republican ideological divides.
- Humanitarian crises in Gaza and systemic inequities in education are emphasized, alongside broader societal issues like grief and academic freedom.
