Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights
A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
8-7-25
Columbia and Brown Agree to Give Trump Administration All Data on Race and Test Scores of New Admissions https://dianeravitch.net/2025/08/06/columbia-and-brown-agree-to-give-trump-administration-all-data-on-race-and-test-scores-of-new-admissions/ via @dianeravitch
Columbia and Brown universities have agreed to provide the Trump administration with data on race, standardized test scores, and GPAs of applicants as part of settlements over alleged federal anti-discrimination law violations. This move aligns with the administration's push for "merit-based" admissions, emphasizing grades and test scores over broader factors like life challenges and diversity. Critics argue this approach could suppress Black and brown enrollment and chill diversity-focused admissions practices nationwide.### Key Points
- Columbia and Brown universities will share applicant data with the Trump administration, including race and test scores, as part of settlements.
- The administration opposes affirmative action, prioritizing test scores and grades as the key criteria for admissions.
- Critics fear the government may use this data to file discrimination charges and threaten federal funding for universities.
- The administration's actions aim to discourage admissions practices that promote diversity, potentially reducing Black and brown enrollment.
Why Should Democrats Be Divided About Vouchers? https://dianeravitch.net/2025/08/06/why-should-democrats-be-divided-about-vouchers/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points- Democrats are not deeply divided about vouchers; most oppose them, with exceptions often linked to campaign contributions or corporate interests like DFER.
- Voucher programs primarily benefit families already paying for private schools and reduce funding for public schools, leading to poor academic outcomes for students who switch.
- Public opinion consistently rejects vouchers in state referenda, reflecting strong support for public education over privatization.
- DFER, a corporate-backed group advocating for education reform, lacks broad constituency support and aligns with privatization efforts, often opposing public school interests.
- Criticism of the NYT article includes claims of oversimplified reporting and exaggerating the division within the Democratic Party over vouchers.
Arizona: School Choice Harms Public Schools https://dianeravitch.net/2025/08/06/arizona-school-choice-harms-public-schools/ via @dianeravitch
Arizona's expansive school choice program, including vouchers and charter schools, has led to significant consequences for public education. Despite voters rejecting vouchers in 2018, the state government pushed forward with these initiatives, heavily subsidizing private education and homeschooling. The lack of accountability in voucher and charter schools has caused financial strain on the state budget, reduced funding for critical infrastructure, and failed to improve academic outcomes. Public schools face closures due to declining enrollment, disrupting communities and traditions. Arizona's approach represents a broader Republican push for "education freedom," with similar programs growing nationwide.### Key Points
- Arizona implemented a large voucher program despite public opposition, benefiting affluent families and private schools.
- Voucher and charter schools lack accountability, leading to misuse of funds and scandals.
- The program has strained the state budget, reducing funding for infrastructure and other needs.
- Public schools are closing due to enrollment declines caused by increased competition.
- School choice programs have not improved academic outcomes, as Arizona ranks poorly on national assessments.
- Arizona's approach reflects a national trend of expanding school choice under the Republican agenda.
Big Education Ape: TONITE'S BIG MEETING TO REWRITE THE SCRIPT FOR THE FAILING EPSTEIN FILES SEASON 3 PREMIERE https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/08/tonites-big-meeting-to-rewrite-script.html
The article discusses a chaotic meeting held at Vice President JD Vance’s residence on August 6, 2025, aimed at rewriting the narrative for the failing premiere of *The Epstein Files Season 3*. The meeting involved high-profile figures from the Trump administration brainstorming strategies to deflect attention away from controversial Epstein-related issues. The group considered various outlandish storylines, including conspiracy theories about RFK Jr. and Joe Biden, while focusing on shielding Trump’s reputation through carefully crafted distractions. Despite the creative efforts, the pressure from subpoenas and victims' advocates added complexity to the cover-up attempts.### Key Points
- A meeting was held at JD Vance’s residence to rewrite *The Epstein Files Season 3* narrative amid its poor reception.
- The goal was to distract from Epstein-related controversies, particularly Trump’s alleged involvement.
- Outlandish ideas, such as RFK Jr.’s vaccine scandal and Biden being replaced by a bot, were proposed to divert public attention.
- Susie Wiles suggested releasing Maxwell’s testimony selectively and pairing it with conspiracy rumors to shift focus.
- The team faced challenges from subpoenas and advocacy groups demanding transparency regarding Epstein’s activities.
AI Code Red: Why Libraries Will Matter More Than Ever – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/08/06/ai-code-red-why-libraries-will-matter-more-than-ever/
Libraries hold a unique and essential role in the age of AI, offering deliberate, unbiased access to knowledge in contrast to the algorithm-driven, profit-oriented digital landscape. The article reflects on the author's personal connection to libraries and emphasizes their importance as spaces for intellectual freedom, community support, and resistance against misinformation, censorship, and commercialization of knowledge.### Key Points
- Libraries shaped the author’s love for reading and storytelling, serving as sanctuaries of knowledge across generations.
- AI and algorithms distort information, favoring bias, consensus, and immediacy over historical depth and truth.
- Ethical challenges in AI systems, such as Musk’s chatbot Grok, highlight the dangers of removing guardrails and amplifying hate speech.
- Libraries counteract the manipulation of information by preserving dissenting voices, marginalized histories, and banned books.
- Libraries provide free, uncensored access to knowledge and essential services, supporting justice and community resilience.
- As frontline educators in digital literacy, libraries equip people to question sources and resist disinformation.
- Libraries represent humanity and deliberate truth-seeking, standing against the flattening of knowledge by AI systems.
- Investment in libraries is vital for preserving intellectual freedom and combating the weaponization of information.
glen brown: Millions are under air quality alerts as wildfire smoke blankets large swaths of U.S. https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/08/millions-are-under-air-quality-alerts.html
### Key Points- The article discusses the harmful effects of wildfire smoke across the U.S., highlighting air quality alerts in multiple states due to Canadian wildfires.
- Wildfire smoke contains fine particles that pose serious health risks, especially for vulnerable populations like children, seniors, and pregnant women.
- Climate change is identified as a major factor contributing to the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires.
- Specific cities affected include Milwaukee, Detroit, Boston, and New York City, with alerts expected to persist.
- The article also mentions separate wildfires in California and Colorado, causing additional air quality issues.
- The blog includes diverse topics such as politics, social justice, healthcare, pension analyses, and environmental concerns.
- Quotes from Ambrose Bierce and Albert Camus emphasize the writer's role in resisting societal oppression and isolation.
Teacher Tom: To Know What it Means to Be Free https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2025/08/to-know-what-it-means-to-be-free.html
### Key Points- The author reflects on childhood experiences of freedom and play during the summer of 1966, which taught valuable life lessons such as confidence, problem-solving, and fairness.
- Freedom in childhood is linked to mental well-being, and the decline in opportunities for independent play and exploration has contributed to rising rates of anxiety and depression in children.
- Teacher Tom emphasizes the importance of allowing children to experience freedom through play-based learning, empowering them to develop essential life skills and resilience.
- The author advocates for adults to shift their role from constant supervision to fostering independence and freedom in children to reverse negative trends in mental health.
- Teacher Tom has written extensively about play-based learning and offers resources, speaking engagements, and community support for promoting this educational approach.
“Bought and Sold” (revisited) | The Merrow Report https://themerrowreport.com/2025/08/06/bought-and-sold-revisited/
### Key Points- The article critiques the Trump administration's policies, including tax cuts for the wealthy, tariffs, reduced public services, and actions against immigrants.
- It highlights growing income inequality, citing increased average and median net worth from 2019 to 2022, but contrasts this with Elon Musk’s massive wealth and influence, including his alleged purchase of the government for a fraction of his fortune.
- The author condemns those who support MAGA ideology, framing it as a betrayal of public interests, and calls for sympathy for misinformed Trump voters while criticizing opportunistic elites.
- Five suggested actions to counter MAGA influence include supporting lawsuits, local public institutions, independent journalism, bipartisan opposition to MAGA, and standing with marginalized groups.
- The article urges Democrats to focus on broader issues like income inequality and the middle class rather than sectional interests, quoting Bernie Sanders on the need for collective action during crises.
A Student’s View: A Device Ban Won’t Fix Education (Anthony Coral) https://larrycuban.wordpress.com/2025/08/06/a-students-view-a-device-ban-wont-fix-education-anthony-coral/ via @CubanLarry
A student's perspective critiques Georgia's new "Distraction-Free Education Act," which bans personal devices in schools to combat classroom disengagement. While acknowledging the law's intentions, the student argues it places undue burden on teachers and may not effectively address the root causes of technology misuse. The article suggests alternative solutions, such as engaging teaching methods, stricter test protocols, and educating families on healthy tech habits, emphasizing the need for collaboration between educators, parents, and policymakers.### Key Points
- Georgia's "Distraction-Free Education Act" bans personal devices in schools but may increase teachers' workload without solving the problem.
- Rising tech ownership among children has led to increased device misuse in classrooms.
- Legislative bans often fail due to inconsistent enforcement and reliance on teachers for implementation.
- Engaging teaching strategies, such as participation incentives and interactive methods, can improve classroom focus.
- Simple anti-cheating measures, like bag placement rules and pocket checks, can reduce technology misuse during tests.
- Educating families about healthy device use through district initiatives may have a broader impact than outright bans.
- Georgia's law, alongside Virginia's precedent, could inspire a nationwide movement to promote balanced technology use.
Seattle Schools Community Forum: Early School Board Election Results Seem Skewed https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2025/08/early-school-board-election-results.html?spref=tw
Seattle School Board Election Results### Key Points
- Early results of Seattle School Board elections show two clear front-runners in D4 and D5 races, while D2 remains highly competitive between incumbent Sarah Clark and challenger Kathleen Smith.
- D4 incumbent Joe Mizrahi leads with 67.4% of the vote, while Laura Marie Rivera trails at 18.4%. In D5, Vivian Song dominates with 72.3%, followed by Janis White at 16.4%.
- The D2 race is close, with Clark at 43.6% and Smith slightly ahead at 44.8%. Eric Feeny holds 11.1%, with uncertainty around how his votes will split in the general election.
- Commentary suggests name recognition and endorsements may influence outcomes, with D2 likely being the most unpredictable race in the general election.
- Discussion on the potential impact of fundraising and momentum for Smith's campaign in D2. Both candidates appear to have exhausted their resources.
- Historical posts highlight broader issues within Seattle schools, such as nepotism in district staffing and debates on advanced learning services.
First Day Blues, Lawsuit Clues, and Political Cues https://norinrad10.com/2025/08/06/first-day-blues-lawsuit-clues-and-political-cues/ via @norinrad10
First Day Blues, Lawsuit Clues, and Political Cues### Key Points
- The first day of school evokes mixed emotions for parents and students, reflecting both excitement and challenges in the education system.
- Parents express frustration over the lack of equity in schools, highlighting ongoing battles for proper services and opportunities for their children.
- Social dynamics in classrooms significantly impact student learning, emphasizing the importance of scheduling classes with peer relationships in mind.
- Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) faces criticism over a $6.5 million lawsuit settlement linked to alleged retaliation and mismanagement by Superintendent Adrienne Battle.
- The central office, rebranded as "The Hub," has grown increasingly bureaucratic, raising concerns about prioritizing administrative expansion over student needs.
- MNPS leadership’s narrative about reforms and achievements is viewed as selective transparency, with educators and staff driving key improvements rather than higher-ups.
- Disputes around accountability persist, with the settlement seen as a costly loss despite claims of fiscal responsibility.
- Tennessee’s third-grade reading retention law shows inconclusive results, with political narratives overshadowing clear data analysis.
- Broader concerns about underpaid educators, political leverage, and unqualified leadership highlight systemic issues in Tennessee's education landscape.
The article compiles various blog posts and discussions on education, politics, and societal issues, including privatization of schools, election controversies, funding debates, and systemic inequities. It touches on topics like Christian nationalism, school closures, and challenges in public education, while also addressing broader themes such as voter apathy, climate change, and AI ethics.
### Key Points
- Allegations of the 2024 election being rigged to favor Trump, with claims from a CIA whistleblower about manipulated voting machines.
- Speculation about Elon Musk's role in Trump’s victory, including financial contributions and influence over voting technology.
- Investigation into voting irregularities in Rockland County, New York, highlighting surprising results and bloc voting concerns.
- The Senate Appropriations Committee restored education funding cuts proposed by Trump and rejected his plan to eliminate the Department of Education.
- Christian nationalism is advancing in the U.S., promoting laws that integrate religious symbols and funding into public institutions, threatening the separation of church and state.
- Democrats for Education Reform (DFER) accused of promoting privatization under the guise of progressivism, funded by billionaire donors.
- Kristen Buras’s book *What We Stand to Lose* critiques the closure of public schools in historically Black and Brown neighborhoods, exposing how these closures are falsely framed as "reform."
- Jeanne S. Chall’s research highlights developmental stages in reading, emphasizing phonics instruction starting in first grade rather than kindergarten.
- Federal funding for public elementary and secondary education decreased by 5.5% in FY 23 compared to FY 22, adjusted for inflation.
- Florida’s school grading system sparks debate over its effectiveness and fairness, reflecting socioeconomic disparities and exempting private schools receiving taxpayer-funded vouchers from accountability.
- Gerrymandering negatively impacts democracy, particularly in Texas, and highlights its detrimental effects on children.
- Climate change and water mismanagement are causing the Great Salt Lake to shrink, leading to ecological and economic consequences.
- AI ethics and its potential dangers, such as self-preservation tactics, are discussed in the context of societal risks.
- The U.S. dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945, marking the start of the nuclear arms race and raising questions about racial bias in decision-making.
Zohran for NYC
https://www.zohranfornyc.com/
