Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights

A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
8-11-25

Big Education Ape: To Be or Not to Be: AI in Education—A Trojan Horse or a Teacher’s Ally? https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/08/to-be-or-not-to-be-ai-in-educationa.html 

The article explores the debate surrounding the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education, focusing on the American Federation of Teachers’ (AFT) $23 million initiative to train 400,000 teachers in ethical AI use. It highlights contrasting perspectives: proponents view AI as a tool to empower educators and address systemic challenges, while critics warn of corporate overreach, surveillance, and potential harm to the human essence of teaching. The discussion centers on whether AI will serve as an ally or a Trojan horse in classrooms, emphasizing the need for teachers to shape its role to preserve the integrity of education.

### Key Points

- The AFT has partnered with tech giants like Microsoft and OpenAI to launch the National Academy for AI Instruction, aiming to train teachers in ethical AI use and impact 7.2 million students. 

- Supporters argue AI can enhance teaching by personalizing learning, reducing workloads, and addressing inequities in underfunded schools. 

- Critics caution against AI’s risks, including bias, surveillance, environmental harm, and the erosion of teaching’s human core, accusing the initiative of serving corporate interests. 

- The debate highlights the importance of educators taking an active role in shaping AI’s integration to ensure it amplifies humanity rather than serving Silicon Valley’s profit motives. 

Big Education Ape: THE GREAT ED NEWS ROUNDUP AUGUST 2-9, 2025 FROM THE 4 HORSEBOTS OF THE AI-POCALYPSE https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/08/the-great-ed-news-roundup-august-2-9.html 

The article discusses major education news from August 2-9, 2025, highlighting policy changes, technological advancements, funding issues, and student well-being. Key topics include Trump’s executive orders on college admissions and fitness tests, tuition hikes in England and Wales, AI’s growing role in education, teen loneliness, school voucher debates, teacher stress, and global education challenges.

### Key Points

- Trump’s executive order mandates colleges to submit admissions data to ensure meritocracy, sparking debates on diversity and institutional autonomy. 

- The Presidential Fitness Test returns, prompting nostalgia and skepticism about its relevance in modern education. 

- Tuition fees in England and Wales rise to £9,535, fueling affordability concerns and debates about the value of higher education. 

- Google commits $1 billion to AI training at universities, while teachers express unease about AI’s impact on classrooms and student behavior. 

- A report highlights teen loneliness as a growing issue linked to mental health struggles and school challenges. 

- School voucher debates intensify, with surprising bipartisan support and outrage over withheld K-12 funding. 

- Chronic absenteeism remains a crisis, and teacher stress continues to escalate due to workloads and understaffing. 

- Special education faces a dire shortage of teachers and funding cuts, threatening support for students with disabilities. 

- Microsoft Copilot highlights global education challenges, including cyber fraud in India, the Sahel region’s education crisis, and threats to Afghan women’s education rights. 

Big Education Ape: LET'S CHECK THIS WEEK'S TOP NEWS AND OTHER STORIES 8-9-25 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/08/lets-check-this-weeks-top-news-and.html 

### Key Points

- Weekly roundup of education news, highlighting privatization efforts and AI's role in education. 

- Scrutiny of public school privatization by billionaires and organizations like DFER. 

- Jeffrey Epstein-related controversies continue to draw public attention. 

- Examination of political theories like the Unitary Executive Theory and their implications. 

- Advocacy for public education and resistance against privatization efforts. 

Big Education Ape: Who Knew Jeffrey Epstein? Apparently, Nobody and Everybody—But Only for a Hot Minute https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/08/who-knew-jeffrey-epstein-apparently.html

CURMUDGUCATION: ICYMI: Great East Lake Edition (8/10) https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2025/08/icymi-great-east-lake-edition-810.html 

This blog post, written by Peter Greene, reflects on his time spent at Great East Lake while sharing insights and commentary on various education-related topics. Greene provides a curated list of articles and discussions, ranging from AI in education to school voucher programs and public education policies. He also promotes his newsletter, blog, and other platforms where he writes about education issues.

### Key Points

- Peter Greene shares personal reflections about his time at Great East Lake, mentioning his reduced writing output and ongoing book project about writing. 

- Commentary on OpenAI’s impact on education, concerns about AI literacy, and its role in redefining childhood. 

- Analysis of school voucher programs, including misuse, fraud allegations, and their effects on public education. 

- Insight into federal and state education policies, such as the White House’s education budget cuts and Arizona’s voucher program leading to public school closures. 

- Examination of movements like phone-free schools and critiques of the “Science of Reading” advocacy. 

- Greene promotes his newsletter, blog, and other platforms for education-related discussions. 

Video: “Around The World In 7 Diseases” - Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... | The latest news and resources in education since 2007 https://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/ 

### Key Points

- The blog provides resources and news in education, including videos, teaching strategies, and tools for classroom use. 

- Highlights include a video titled “Around The World In 7 Diseases” and an interactive tool showing trending YouTube videos by country. 

- Discusses the value of Connection/Community-Building Circles as part of Restorative Practices. 

- Emphasizes the importance of discussing AI with students and highlights ChatGPT’s “Study Mode” as a potential tool for ELLs. 

- Shares research on how leaders admitting mistakes can inspire leadership in others, applicable to education. 

- Provides culturally responsive teaching tips and resources like Sesame Street videos on name pronunciation. 

- Features infographics and resources for classroom discussions on global youth unhappiness and other topics. 

- Offers weekly updates on free and useful AI tools for educators. 

- Lists books and resources authored by the blogger, covering strategies for teaching various subjects and engaging parents. 

- Includes posts, videos, and articles on teaching practices and education topics from multiple platforms like Education Week and The New York Times. 

From Acceptable Persecution to Uncancelling Colbert – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/08/10/from-acceptable-persecution-to-uncancelling-colbert/ 

Acceptable Persecution: The Hidden Threat to Democracy

### Key Points

- Authoritarian regimes increasingly use legal and bureaucratic methods to suppress dissent, framing persecution as legitimate governance. 

- Laws are rewritten with vague language to criminalize dissent, restrict protests, and limit academic freedom under the guise of neutrality. 

- Judicial systems are manipulated by stacking courts with loyalists, creating an illusion of due process while enabling targeted repression. 

- Bureaucratic red tape is weaponized to suffocate opposition through financial and procedural obstacles, disguised as routine oversight. 

- Propaganda reframes dissenters as threats, fostering public consent for repression by presenting it as protection. 

- Financial control punishes opposition and rewards compliance, creating a system where dissent is economically unsustainable. 

- The U.S. has begun adopting these tactics, normalizing repression as governance through legal and procedural measures. 

- Public consent is the most dangerous aspect, as repression becomes normalized when framed as safety, accountability, or civility. 

- Resistance requires exposing and challenging these tactics in education, media, governance, and civic action. 

- Strategic patience, as demonstrated by Paramount during its merger, can be a tool of resistance against acceptable persecution. 

glen brown: A Tough Week for the Rule of Law https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/08/a-tough-week-for-rule-of-law.html 

A blog post by Glen Brown discusses the troubling state of democracy and rule of law in America, particularly under the Trump administration. It highlights various political maneuvers, including partisan investigations, gerrymandering, unethical judicial decisions, and the misuse of government power for political retribution. The post emphasizes the importance of staying informed, resisting authoritarian tendencies, and preserving democracy through collective efforts.

### Key Points

- The Trump administration's Justice Department is accused of partisan investigations targeting Democratic figures like Tish James and Adam Schiff, allegedly for political revenge. 

- Concerns over Freedom of Information Act misuse and loyalty purges at American embassies regarding Trump-related communications. 

- Judicial controversies, including rulings that hinder accountability for government actions, such as the deportation of Venezuelan men. 

- Gerrymandering efforts in Texas and political maneuvering by Republican figures like Ken Paxton to suppress Democrats. 

- Ghislaine Maxwell's controversial prison conditions, allegedly influenced by Trump administration officials. 

- The blog underscores the dangers posed to democracy, urging readers to stay informed and actively resist authoritarianism. 

Ending High Truancy Rates: How to Get Students to School - Nancy Bailey's Education Website https://nancyebailey.com/2025/08/10/ending-high-truancy-rates-how-to-get-students-to-school/ 

Ending High Truancy Rates: How to Get Students to School August 10, 2025 By Nancy Bailey 1 Comment Post Views: 93 School starts for students whose families rely on public education, which the Trump administration is trying to end. For years, however, school reforms have made schools less personable; as a result, school attendance has decreased, especially since the pandemic. Why do kids reject school? Bullying, harassment, family problems, parental work schedules, mental health, illnesses, transportation, and residual effects of COVID might be issues that school districts must address. Another reason is disengagement; public education has become impersonal, due to terrible school policies over the years , which may overlook the unique capabilities of individual students. If no welcome mat is rolled out to show children they’re valued, why would they care? It wouldn’t be hard to fix

### Key Points

- Addressing truancy requires tackling issues such as bullying, family problems, mental health, transportation, and disengagement caused by impersonal school policies. 

- Safe schools with smaller class sizes foster personal connections, reduce bullying, and enable teachers to better understand students. 

- Support systems like counselors, psychologists, and specialists are essential for students facing trauma or crises. 

- Eliminate high-stakes standardized testing to focus on individual strengths and age-appropriate development. 

- Community involvement, such as business sponsorships, can instill pride and support in public schools. 

- Extracurricular activities help engage students by connecting academic and leisure interests. 

- Qualified educators and support staff are critical for effective learning and student engagement. 

- School libraries with real librarians improve academic outcomes and foster a love for reading. 

- Socialization opportunities during recess teach students empathy and understanding. 

- Special education programs must be inclusive and non-stigmatizing. 

- Reduce reliance on technology to encourage human connections and proceed cautiously with AI implementation. 

- Arts programs provide creative outlets and help students, especially those facing challenges, stay engaged. 

- Welcoming school facilities create a positive environment conducive to learning. 

- A whole curriculum that includes diverse subjects fosters curiosity and holistic development. 

Schools Matter: Trump in TERROR after SHOCK POLLS for GOP…in TENNESSEE!! http://www.schoolsmatter.info/2025/08/trump-in-terror-after-shock-polls-for.html 

Schools Matter: The Growing Call to Reign in AFT’s Embrace of AI http://www.schoolsmatter.info/2025/08/the-growing-call-to-reign-in-afts.html 

Schools Matter

### Key Points

- The American Federation of Teachers (AFT), under Randi Weingarten's leadership, has embraced AI technology in classrooms, which critics argue prioritizes corporate interests over educational integrity. 

- Big Tech's involvement in education is described as a strategy for market capture, exploiting students for data mining and advertising while failing to address AI's biases, limitations, and ethical concerns. 

- Examples of AI's flaws include promoting harmful rhetoric, failing logical reasoning tasks, and reinforcing inequality, which are not being adequately addressed in educational settings. 

- AFT’s collaboration with corporations like Microsoft has been criticized as marketing rather than genuine educational advancement, raising concerns about the union's alignment with anti-worker and anti-democratic entities. 

- Critics warn that AFT's actions could undermine public education, labor rights, and its credibility as a labor union. 

Vacations Paid for By School Vouchers Up to $2000 worth of expenses can avoid review https://theeducationreport.substack.com/p/vacations-paid-for-by-school-vouchers 

### Key Points

- Arizona's school voucher program allows parents to use ESA funds for educational expenses, which some are using for vacation costs, including overseas trips and attractions in places like San Diego. 

- A policy implemented by Arizona's Department of Education in December automatically approves expenses under $2,000 without review, leading to potential misuse of taxpayer funds for vacations. 

- Public backlash has emerged following investigative reporting on this practice, highlighting concerns over the program's lack of oversight. 

Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights

A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
8-10-25

https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/08/yesterdays-gems-todays-insights-roundup_01390795207.html

The article is a collection of blog posts and discussions covering topics related to education, politics, societal issues, and current events. It explores themes such as AI's role in education, school reform, literacy, climate change, public education advocacy, controversies surrounding high-profile figures, and global challenges.

### Key Points  

- Trump’s executive order mandates colleges to submit admissions data to ensure meritocracy, sparking debates on diversity and institutional autonomy.   

- Tuition fees in England and Wales rise to £9,535, fueling affordability concerns and debates about the value of higher education.   

- Google commits $1 billion to AI training at universities, while teachers express unease about AI’s impact on classrooms and student behavior.   

- Chronic absenteeism remains a crisis, and teacher stress continues to escalate due to workloads and understaffing.   

- Special education faces a dire shortage of teachers and funding cuts, threatening support for students with disabilities.   

- Microsoft Copilot highlights global education challenges, including cyber fraud in India and threats to Afghan women’s education rights.   

- A study reveals racial bias in AI teacher assistants, showing punitive measures for Black-coded names and supportive approaches for White-coded names.   

- U.S. school reform has repeatedly shifted without reflecting on past outcomes, driven by ideological and political agendas over evidence-based solutions.   

- Pushback against standardized testing has led to calls for Progressive-era reforms and returning power to local districts.   

- Men are reading less, raising concerns about cultural regression and emphasizing the need for authentic literacy education.   

- Wildfire smoke poses significant health risks, likened to smoking cigarettes, with vulnerable groups most affected.   

- Andrew Cuomo criticized Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani for his modest lifestyle while living luxuriously himself, highlighting hypocrisy in his poverty narrative.   

- Live Aid’s cultural significance contrasts its compassionate spirit with modern isolationism and corporatization of the music industry.   

- Abuse of presidential pardon power by Trump raises concerns about justice, democracy, and public trust.   

- Charter schools divert resources from public schools, creating parallel systems that serve fewer students at the expense of the majority.   

- Libraries play a crucial role in combating misinformation and preserving intellectual freedom amid AI distortions.