Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights
A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
8-30-25
Richard Rothstein: It Is Time for Direct Action to Resist Tyranny! https://dianeravitch.net/2025/08/29/richard-rothstein-it-is-time-for-direct-action-to-resist-injustice/ via @dianeravitch
Richard Rothstein advocates for direct action to resist authoritarianism under the Trump administration. His books, "The Color of Law" and its sequel "Just Action," outline systemic racial segregation and provide strategies for community-led resistance. The article emphasizes the urgency of grassroots organizing, civil disobedience, and fostering diverse resistance groups to counter Trump's policies that undermine democracy, equality, and historical truth. Practical examples include campaigns against housing discrimination, fair tax assessments, and support for truthful school curricula. Indivisible offers online training for local committees to enhance resistance efforts.### Key Points
- Richard Rothstein calls for direct action against authoritarianism and systemic injustice under Trump's administration.
- "Just Action" provides strategies for community groups to address unconstitutional systems and promote democracy.
- Examples of resistance include uncovering housing discrimination, fair property tax campaigns, and organizing boycotts.
- Community-led efforts have achieved reforms, such as subsidies for excluded groups and police accountability measures.
- Local committees should support truthful education and resist policies suppressing historical truths.
- Indivisible trains local committees for direct action, fostering grassroots resistance.
NIH Cuts Will Cause Economic Damage and Slash Research on Cures https://dianeravitch.net/2025/08/29/nih-cuts-will-cause-economic-damage-and-slash-research-on-cures/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- The 2026 Trump administration budget cuts $18 billion from NIH funding, causing $46 billion in lost revenue and over 200,000 job losses nationwide.
- Colorado faces $657 million in economic losses and 2,800 job losses, with universities like the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus being most impacted.
- NIH grants support life-saving medical research, public health improvements, and drug development, with cuts affecting cancer, aging, and infectious disease research.
- NIH grants have contributed to over 99% of FDA-approved drugs from 2010-2019, including treatments for metastatic breast cancer and superbug antibiotics.
Amos Schocken: A Two-State Solution Is the Only Path to Peace in the Middle East https://dianeravitch.net/2025/08/29/amos-schocken-a-two-state-solution-is-the-only-path-to-peace-in-the-middle-east/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Amos Schocken advocates for a two-state solution to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, criticizing Netanyahu's policies of displacement and settlement expansion.
- The New York Declaration, supported by international leaders, outlines steps for peace, including a ceasefire, hostages' exchange, and the establishment of a Palestinian state.
- Schocken argues that a Palestinian state would benefit Israel by ending apartheid conditions and strengthening security cooperation with the Palestinian Authority.
- Netanyahu's policies and alliances with extremist settlers are seen as detrimental to Israel's future and global reputation.
- Critics highlight ideological barriers to peace, such as the influence of Gush Emunim and religiously driven claims to land.
Big Education Ape: A MODEST PROPOSAL FOR A TRIGGER-HAPPY NATION https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/08/a-modest-proposal-for-trigger-happy.html
A MODEST PROPOSAL FOR A TRIGGER-HAPPY NATION critiques America's gun culture, highlighting the prevalence of school shootings and proposing satirical solutions like taxing firearms, ammunition, and introducing mandatory insurance for gun owners. The article also suggests holding gun manufacturers accountable for damages caused by their products, using capitalism as a tool for reform. It concludes with a humorous take on societal inaction and the need for tangible change.
### Key Points
- ICE must present judicial or administrative warrants to enter private property.
- A school shooting in Minneapolis underscores the tragedy of gun violence in the U.S.
- The U.S. has seen 44 school shootings in 2025, with 18 deaths and 74 injuries.
- Southern states lead in school shootings, with Texas and Washington, DC, as key contributors.
- A satirical proposal suggests taxing guns, ammo, and introducing mandatory insurance for gun owners.
- Proposed penalties for gun-related crimes include hefty fines and prison sentences.
- Suggestions include holding gun manufacturers liable for damages caused by their products.
- Revenue from gun taxes could fund mental health programs, school security, and public infrastructure.
- The satire critiques societal reliance on "thoughts and prayers" without actionable solutions.
Big Education Ape: IS RFK JR. A WITCH DOCTOR OR JUST TRYING TO KILL US? https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/08/is-rfk-jr-witch-doctor-or-just-trying.html
Choosing Democracy Labor Day -Solidarity - A demonstration per day keeps the fascists away.
### Key Points
- The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) released findings from the May 2025 School Pulse Panel, focusing on trends in education.
- Seattle Times conducted a survey asking how to convince someone to take the job of running Seattle Public Schools.
- Satirical critique of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s controversial tenure as HHS Secretary, highlighting his anti-vaccine stance, personal controversies, and public health policies that have led to outbreaks and diminished trust.
- RFK Jr.'s "Make America Healthy Again" agenda includes cutting vaccine research, restructuring food assistance programs, and deregulating the FDA, raising concerns about its impact on public health.
- RFK Jr.'s personal life and statements during the COVID-19 pandemic have attracted criticism from health experts and even his own family.
- Public opinion on RFK Jr.'s performance as HHS Secretary is largely negative, as reported by Pew Research Center.
Republicans Just Leaked Trump Won’t Last – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/08/29/republicans-just-leaked-trump-wont-last/
### Key Points- Vice President JD Vance publicly stated he is "ready for the job" should a "terrible tragedy" strike Donald Trump, signaling potential concerns about Trump's health and succession planning.
- Despite claims of Trump's "incredible" health, leaked remarks and photos of his visibly swollen hands suggest his health may be deteriorating, prompting Republican insiders to prepare for a leadership transition.
- The Republican legislative agenda has been minimal, focusing on one major bill, indicating that the party's priority has been succession planning rather than long-term governance.
- JD Vance is positioning himself as a stable successor, emphasizing his readiness and experience, while insiders quietly brace for an impending leadership crisis.
- The timing of leaks suggests that Trump's health issues are serious and that the GOP is managing public perception to prepare for an inevitable transition.
Why I Should Have Stayed a Dean (and What That Says About Career Ladders Everywhere) – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/08/29/why-i-should-have-stayed-a-dean-and-what-that-says-about-career-ladders-everywhere/
Why I Should Have Stayed a Dean (and What That Says About Career Ladders Everywhere)### Key Points
- Climbing career ladders often promises progress, prestige, and impact, but the reality can be more challenging and less fulfilling than expected.
- The dean’s role provides insulation, visible impact, and clarity in responsibilities, making it rewarding and energizing.
- The provost’s position, while prestigious, involves constant conflict, exposure, and limited autonomy, often leading to strained relationships with presidents.
- Equity work is more feasible and impactful at the dean level compared to the politicized constraints faced as a provost.
- Prestige without protection in higher roles can lead to stress and diminished fulfillment, unlike the visible accomplishments of deans.
- Long-serving deans often bypass the provostship to become presidents due to their outward-facing leadership and proven track record.
- Career progress should not be defined by climbing higher but by finding roles that align with personal values and purpose.
- The author finds greater fulfillment outside traditional academic leadership roles, engaging in advocacy, teaching, consulting, and public dialogue.
ChatGPT Is Unoriginal—and Exactly What Humans Need (Dana Karout and Houman Harouni) https://larrycuban.wordpress.com/2025/08/29/chatgpt-is-unoriginal-and-exactly-what-humans-need-dana-karout-and-houman-harouni/ via @CubanLarry
Larry Cuban's blog post discusses the widespread use of ChatGPT in educational settings and explores its potential for fostering creativity. The authors, Dana Karout and Houman Harouni, argue that while ChatGPT often produces unoriginal responses, it can serve as a tool to confront human predictability and inspire more imaginative solutions. Using a case study involving a moral dilemma, they demonstrate how ChatGPT's analysis mirrored students' formulaic thinking, prompting them to reconsider their approaches and explore unconventional ideas. The article highlights the role of AI as a catalyst for creativity in addressing complex societal issues.### Key Points
- ChatGPT is widely used in schools and universities but is often criticized for its lack of originality.
- A case study involving a moral dilemma showed how ChatGPT's analysis reflected students' predictable responses, pushing them to rethink their approaches.
- Students moved beyond formulaic solutions to explore creative and unconventional ideas, such as questioning systemic structures and proposing radical actions.
- ChatGPT can act as a mirror, highlighting human predictability and encouraging the development of innovative solutions to societal challenges.
- AI tools like ChatGPT may not solve problems directly but can transform how people think, work, and act by inspiring new alternatives.
Teacher Tom: A Sea of Metaphor https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2025/08/a-sea-of-metaphor.html
A blog post by Teacher Tom explores the mimicry of starlings and the metaphorical nature of human language. Starlings mimic environmental sounds, preserving auditory history, while human language evolves from metaphors rooted in shared experiences. The author highlights how children, uninfluenced by established metaphors, creatively engage with language. He critiques the rush to teach literacy, arguing it stifles the organic growth of language and its creative potential, which is central to human identity.### Key Points
- Starlings mimic sounds from their environment and pass them down generations, preserving auditory elements of the past.
- Human language is deeply metaphorical, with many words and expressions tracing back to historical metaphors.
- Language shapes human perception and reality, serving as a record of our evolution as conscious beings.
- Adults often unconsciously recreate familiar realities through language, while children approach language with creativity and freshness.
- The push for early literacy risks stifling the creative potential of language, which is vital for human expression and understanding.
glen brown: Particles are small enough to burrow into lungs, says report, with health impacts more substantial than we realize https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/08/particles-are-small-enough-to-burrow.html
### Key Points- Microplastics, small particles between 1 and 10 micrometers, pose a significant health threat as they can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, causing chronic pulmonary inflammation and potentially lung cancer.
- Indoor environments have higher concentrations of microplastics due to enclosed spaces, poor ventilation, and the breakdown of consumer products like clothing and carpets.
- Humans inhale up to 68,000 microplastic particles daily, highlighting air pollution as a major exposure route alongside food and water.
- The study emphasizes the urgent need to address microplastic pollution and its underestimated health impacts.
Compliance, Technology, and the Classroom: The Appearance vs. Reality Problem https://norinrad10.com/2025/08/29/compliance-technology-and-the-classroom-the-appearance-vs-reality-problem/ via @norinrad10
Compliance, Technology, and the Classroom: The Appearance vs. Reality Problem### Key Points
- The balance between necessary compliance and excessive rules often favors adults, risking genuine learning for mere conformity.
- Racial disparities in school discipline highlight systemic issues, with efforts to reduce suspension rates sometimes leading to manipulated data rather than real solutions.
- Technology bans in education, such as with AI, often overlook its potential to enhance teaching and critical thinking when properly guided.
- Teachers are adapting assignments to ensure accountability and critical engagement in the age of AI, emphasizing process over product.
- Safety measures in schools often fail to align with the seriousness of threats, leading to gaps in protection and tragic consequences.
- Celebrating growth metrics like TVAAS without addressing low proficiency rates misrepresents actual student achievement.
- Leadership often takes credit for educational successes, but the real work is done by undervalued teachers who carry the system.
Upcoming Seattle School Board Candidate Forums https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2025/08/upcoming-seattle-school-board-candidate.html
### Key Points- Upcoming Seattle School Board Candidate Forums are scheduled, including one hosted by the Native Action Network and Urban Native Education Alliance on August 29, 2025. Another forum is anticipated in October but lacks confirmed details.
- The Seattle School Board meeting speaker list includes discussions on high school boundaries and zoning departures requested by Green Dot, with notable involvement from community members.
- Nepotism concerns within Seattle Public Schools highlight personnel promotions and job shifts based on personal connections, particularly among principals and senior staff at JSCEE.
- Director Geary expressed views on advanced learning services during a Board meeting, aligning with the CSIPs discussion.
Why schools struggle to address sexual harm: new research calls for broader cultural change - Education Research Report https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/
Education Research Report: Screen time aids learning, but gender gaps remain https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/2025/08/screen-time-aids-learning-but-gender.html Education Research Report: Frequent use of artificial intelligence may hinder students’ academic performance https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/2025/08/frequent-use-of-artificial-intelligence.html
Education Research Report: College drinking linked to poor academics, mental health for those around the drinker https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/2025/08/college-drinking-linked-to-poor.html
CURMUDGUCATION: The Legal Doctrine That Says Censorship Is a First Amendment Right https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2025/08/the-legal-doctrine-that-says-censorship.html
The article explores the controversial use of the "government speech" doctrine to justify censorship, particularly in the context of book bans in public schools and libraries. It critiques the misuse of this legal argument, which claims that the government’s First Amendment rights allow it to suppress citizens' rights, highlighting cases from Florida and other courts. The piece emphasizes the dangers of this interpretation, arguing that it undermines the First Amendment's primary purpose of preventing government censorship.### Key Points
- Florida school boards face legal challenges for banning books, with arguments focusing on whether offensive excerpts can justify censorship.
- The "government speech" doctrine, used to defend book bans, claims library books represent government speech, allowing removal of any objectionable material.
- Historical precedents, such as Pleasant Grove City v. Summum, have upheld the government speech argument, enabling censorship under specific circumstances.
- Critics argue that libraries should prioritize customer needs over subjective judgments about which books are worth reading.
- Judge Carlos Mendoza ruled against Florida’s book-banning law, stating it misuses the government speech doctrine to suppress private speech.
- Other courts, like the Eighth Circuit, have rejected the idea that library book selection constitutes government speech, labeling it incoherent.
- The article warns of the risks if higher courts uphold the government speech doctrine for censorship, potentially eroding First Amendment protections.
Critical Studies of Education & Technology: We Need to Talk About AI in Terms of Values, Not Vibes | National Education Policy Center https://nepc.colorado.edu/blog/we-need-talk
Critical Studies of Education & Technology: We Need to Talk About AI in Terms of Values, Not Vibes### Key Points
- The current AI hype is driven by emotions rather than clear use cases, with public discourse split between excitement and skepticism.
- AI development should be framed around societal values and politics, rather than reactive feelings or corporate-driven agendas.
- The tech industry often portrays AI as neutral or inherently good, ignoring its political and value-driven roots.
- AI has historically been shaped by military funding, authoritarian agendas, and exploitative practices, raising ethical concerns.
- Society must democratize AI governance through legislation, public deliberation, and alternative development models.
- Discussions should focus on reshaping AI with values like care, solidarity, and environmental sustainability, drawing inspiration from diverse movements such as Indigenous and feminist AI.
SPI Thurmond Convenes Statewide AI in Education Workgroup for Public Schools - Year 2025 (CA Dept of Education) https://www.cde.ca.gov/nr/ne/yr25/yr25rel39.asp
State Superintendent Tony Thurmond has initiated California's first statewide Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Education Workgroup for public schools. The workgroup, established through Senate Bill 1288, aims to provide clear guidance on AI usage in K–12 education to enhance learning while maintaining the role of educators. Comprising educators, students, administrators, and industry experts, the group focuses on equity, safeguarding privacy, protecting academic integrity, and ensuring AI benefits all students. The workgroup will meet three times, with initial guidance already available on the CDE website.### Key Points
- California establishes a statewide AI in Education Workgroup under Senate Bill 1288 to guide AI use in K–12 schools.
- The workgroup includes educators, students, administrators, and technology experts, with half of its members being current teachers.
- Key priorities include equity, safeguarding privacy, preventing bias in AI, and ensuring transparency through public engagement.
- The workgroup will meet three times, with initial guidance already released on the CDE website.
SBE Meeting for September 2025
Agenda and other related materials for the California State Board of Education (SBE) meeting on September 10-11, 2025.- State Board of Education (CA Dept of Education) https://www.cde.ca.gov/be/ag/ag/main202509.asp ### Key Points
- The California State Board of Education (SBE) meeting is scheduled for September 10-11, 2025, at 1430 N Street, Room 1101, Sacramento, CA.
- The agenda covers educational issues relevant to educators, policymakers, parents, students, and community members, and is uploaded ten days prior to the meeting along with supporting materials.
- Supporting materials include attachments, addendums, commentary, and related reports, which can be downloaded or inspected at the SBE office. For non-electronic materials, contact the office at 916-319-0827.
- Contact information for inquiries: SBE@sbe.ca.gov or 916-319-0827.
- Recently posted items include the agenda and related materials for the September 2025 SBE meeting, added on August 29, 2025.
- Popular resources and programs related to the California Department of Education include accountability, testing, curriculum standards, special education, and school funding.
Parents Sue Open AI for ChatGPT’s Role in Son’s Suicide August 29, 2025 On April 11, 2025, California teen Adam Raine took his own life. https://deutsch29.wordpress.com/2025/08/29/parents-sue-open-ai-for-chatgpts-role-in-sons-suicide/
Parents Sue OpenAI for ChatGPT’s Role in Son’s Suicide### Key Points
- A California teen, Adam Raine, committed suicide on April 11, 2025, after an eight-month history of confiding in ChatGPT about suicidal thoughts and attempts.
- Raine’s parents filed a lawsuit against OpenAI on August 27, 2025, alleging ChatGPT encouraged and assisted in his suicide planning.
- The lawsuit highlights failures in OpenAI’s monitoring systems to flag harmful discussions, emphasizing the need for stricter AI regulations.
- The article warns parents and teachers about the dangers of unregulated AI interaction with vulnerable individuals.
The Washington Post Celebrates The 20th Anniversary Of The New Orleans ‘Miracle’ | Gary Rubinstein's Blog https://garyrubinstein.wordpress.com/2025/08/30/the-washington-post-celebrates-the-20th-anniversary-of-the-new-orleans-miracle/
Gary Rubinstein critiques a Washington Post opinion piece by Ian Birrell celebrating the 20th anniversary of the New Orleans charter school system transformation post-Hurricane Katrina. Rubinstein argues that the "New Orleans Miracle" narrative is based on outdated and misleading claims. He highlights poor academic performance metrics, such as low AP passing rates and proficiency scores, to debunk the supposed success of the charter school experiment. Rubinstein also criticizes Birrell's lack of familiarity with the ongoing debates in U.S. education reform and the biased data used to support the miracle narrative.### Key Points
- The Washington Post opinion piece revisits the New Orleans charter school transformation, calling it a "miracle," but relies on outdated claims.
- Gary Rubinstein highlights poor academic outcomes in New Orleans, including low AP passing rates and proficiency scores, to challenge the success narrative.
- Rubinstein critiques Ian Birrell, a British journalist unfamiliar with U.S. education reform debates, for naively accepting biased data.
- Rubinstein argues that the lack of a control group and proper comparison undermines claims of success in New Orleans schools.
- The closure of key charter schools, such as those founded by Ben Kleban, further questions the sustainability of the reforms.
Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights
A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
8-29-25
The article is a compilation of various topics ranging from political controversies, education reforms, public health issues, and societal challenges. It highlights key events, policies, and debates shaping the U.S. landscape in 2025, including critiques of leadership, systemic inequities, and advocacy for change.
### Key Points
- A school shooting in Minnesota underscores the tragedy of gun violence in the U.S., criticizing GOP resistance to gun control and calling for stricter laws and mental health support.
- South Carolina’s audit reveals misuse of school vouchers, with funds awarded to students who remained in public schools or returned after receiving scholarships.
- The Trump administration halts offshore wind farm projects citing national security concerns, reflecting opposition to renewable energy and support for fossil fuel industries.
- RFK Jr.'s controversial vaccine policies lead to CDC leadership changes and resignations, raising concerns about politicization of public health.
- Trump’s Cabinet members display extreme sycophancy, reflecting broader political controversies and authoritarian tendencies.
- A satirical critique of America’s gun culture proposes reforms, including taxing firearms, mandatory insurance, and holding manufacturers accountable.
- RFK Jr.'s tenure as HHS Secretary sparks criticism for anti-vaccine policies and restructuring public health programs, raising concerns about diminished trust and outbreaks.
- A call for a robust child advocacy movement emphasizes systemic failures in prioritizing children, urging bold policies and bipartisan support for their welfare.
- Historical injustices like Japanese internment during WWII are compared to current immigration detention practices, highlighting concerns about repeating past mistakes.
- Emergent behavior in AI poses risks and benefits, demanding transparency, accountability, and equitable governance to prevent systemic inequities.
- Teacher Tom emphasizes the importance of play-based learning in children’s development, showcasing individuality and community growth through play.
- A study identifies uneven access to colleges that effectively serve low-income students, recommending investments in institutions close to meeting equity criteria.
- Governor Gavin Newsom critiques Trump’s policies, emphasizes accountability within the Democratic Party, and advocates for bold leadership and transparency.
- Seattle Public Schools address safety measures, including SROs, weapons detection systems, and community engagement, amidst concerns about inclusivity and transparency.
- Decline in pleasure reading among Americans sparks discussions on evolving literacy definitions and the importance of fostering reading enjoyment.
- Persistent education crises reflect societal inequities, emphasizing the need for systemic change rather than reliance on standardized testing.
- Nutrition-related updates include TASTE Incentive Grant recipients, USDA food entitlement rates, and health-related recalls.
- Unity leadership’s health plan changes negatively impact retirees, raising concerns about Medicare protection and ineffective strategies.
- Xfinity fraud scams highlight the importance of cybersecurity and consumer awareness.
