NOVEMBER 26, 2025
- A new Russian attack targeted Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, amid ongoing conflict, as reported in the latest AP top stories.
- The U.S.- and Israel-backed aid foundation for Gaza announced it is shutting down operations, citing challenges in the region.
- Reports emerged that President Trump may fire FBI Director Kash Patel due to controversies, though the White House denied the claims.
- Trump envoy Steve Witkoff reportedly advised a Kremlin official on Ukraine negotiations, suggesting optimistic framing and territorial discussions.
- President Trump's transition team disclosed its donor list a full year after pledging to do so, revealing key financial backers.
- The Trump administration is advancing actions to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, drawing expert analysis on potential impacts.
- The FBI is seeking interviews with Democrats who publicly urged U.S. troops to ignore potentially illegal orders from the administration.
- Despite past criticisms, President Trump is considering a push to extend Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) subsidies, signaling a potential policy shift.
- President Trump stated that China's Xi Jinping agreed to accelerate purchases of U.S. goods during a recent call, emphasizing stable bilateral relations.
- Trump dispatched envoy Steve Witkoff to Moscow with a "fine-tuned" plan to end the Ukraine war, hinting at future talks with Putin and Zelenskyy.
- A global assessment reported a sharp rise in hostility toward religious minorities in Turkey, highlighting increased persecution.
- The UN declared Indonesia's Jakarta as the world's largest city, surpassing Tokyo, with nine of the top 10 megacities now in Asia.
- Experts debate whether "brain-based" education approaches have gone too far, questioning their scientific validity and classroom application.
- The Trump administration's push to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education is under scrutiny, with discussions on long-term effects for K-12 policy.
- School assembly headlines highlight key education updates, including policy shifts in India like Delhi's major reforms and Kerala's teacher milestone.
- Market volatility signals an epic buildup of global risk, with experts warning of factors reminiscent of past financial crises.
- Key economic indicators today include the MBA 30-Year Mortgage Rate release, expected to influence housing trends.
- German business sentiment deteriorated in November per Ifo survey, reflecting broader European economic concerns.
- A market selloff eased as the U.S. economy shows resilience, though layoffs are rising amid Fed rate cut uncertainties.
- Analysis warns that AI investment "maths" are broken, with a deflating bubble as returns fail to match hype.
- Apple's reported partnership with Google to integrate Gemini AI into Siri marks a major shift, ending siloed AI development.
- November 2025 tech highlights include the OnePlus 15 launch, ChatGPT going free in India, and over 100,000 tech layoffs globally.
- Silicon Box advances flexible semiconductor supply chains through innovative packaging tech, as discussed at the New Economy Forum.
- Scientists identified a body trait—higher muscle mass—that helps preserve brain youth and cognitive function, per new research.
- President Trump is weighing an extension of Obamacare subsidies despite prior opposition, potentially stabilizing insurance markets.
- Renewed CDC vaccine guidance has sparked anxiety by echoing debunked claims linking shots to autism, experts warn.
- House Speaker Johnson indicated GOP reluctance to back Trump's healthcare push, particularly on expiring ACA subsidies.
- College football rankings see shakeups in the 6-7 range, but the top 5 teams hold steady ahead of playoffs.
- Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson returned to practice after injury, boosting team prospects, while Steelers' George Pickens remains limited.
- Youngstown State junior QB Beau Brungard named a finalist for the 2025 Walter Payton Award in FCS football.
- Drake Bulldogs women's basketball mounted a second-half rally but fell short in Nashville, led by Vice's 21 points.
The Trump-Putin "Peace Plan" Spells Surrender for Ukraine https://dianeravitch.net/2025/11/25/the-trump-putin-peace-plan-spells-surrender-for-ukraine/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- The Trump administration's "peace plan" for Ukraine is criticized for favoring Russia, requiring Ukraine to cede territory and reduce its military while excluding NATO involvement.
- The plan has been compared to Neville Chamberlain’s appeasement policy, with critics warning it rewards aggression and undermines Ukraine’s sovereignty.
- The plan was reportedly written with significant Russian influence, further fueling accusations of bias and betrayal of U.S. allies.
- Critics argue that the proposed deal would leave Ukraine vulnerable to future aggression while offering vague and unreliable security guarantees.
- Alternatives to the plan include freezing forces in place, ensuring European security involvement, and isolating Russia until reparations are made.
At the Root of Charter School Scandals: Lobbying for Money and Power https://dianeravitch.net/2025/11/25/at-the-root-of-charter-school-scandals/ via @dianeravitch
This article discusses the controversial practices of Success Academy, a prominent charter school network, highlighting its use of teachers and students for political lobbying. It critiques the structural issues within the charter school model that blur the lines between education and politics, compromising public trust and the purpose of education.
### Key Points
- Success Academy leadership pressured staff to lobby legislators and involved students in political rallies during school hours, diverting resources away from education.
- Charter schools often rely on political lobbying to secure taxpayer funding, leading to blurred lines between education and politics.
- Success Academy's practices, such as coercing staff and students into political activities, reflect systemic issues in the charter school model.
- Critics argue that these activities erode trust, misuse public funds, and detract from educational priorities.
- Calls for reforms include clearer boundaries to prevent political coercion in schools, as seen in other states like Oregon and Connecticut.
Lisa Gonzalez: Generations of War and Bigotry https://dianeravitch.net/2025/11/25/lisa-gonzalez-generatuons-of-war-and-bigotry/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Lisa Gonzalez reflects on her family’s history of military service and the sacrifices made by her uncles, who served in various wars, despite facing racial discrimination.
- The article emphasizes the growing Latino population in the U.S., their significant contributions to the economy, and the systemic challenges they face, including racial profiling and deportation fears.
- Gonzalez criticizes the erasure of Hispanic contributions, such as the disappearance of census data on popular Hispanic surnames, and highlights the resilience and patriotism of Latino families.
- The narrative discusses how Latino veterans and their families endure discrimination while continuing to believe in and contribute to the promise of America.
- Comments on the blog post include debates on immigration policies, racial profiling, and political rhetoric, with differing opinions about open borders and their implications.
Big Education Ape: PUBLIC EDUCATION: THE WISDOM OF THE FOUNDING FATHERS VERSUS THE GREED OF THE BILLIONAIRE OLIGARCHY https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/11/public-education-wisdom-of-founding.html
### Key Points
- The Trump administration has taken steps to dismantle the Department of Education, redistributing its functions to other federal agencies, leading to inefficiencies and undermining educational equity.
- Public education was originally envisioned by the Founding Fathers as a cornerstone of democracy, ensuring an educated citizenry capable of self-governance and critical thinking.
- The Founders' vision included universal access to education, emphasizing history, civic virtue, and critical thinking, rather than compliance or job training.
- The modern privatization movement, driven by billionaires, seeks to defund public schools, promote charter schools and vouchers, and prioritize profits over educational equity.
- Privatization strategies include defunding schools, implementing high-stakes standardized testing, promoting school choice, attacking teachers' unions, and leveraging culture wars to push their agenda.
- Privatized education exacerbates inequality, increases segregation, and undermines protections for students with disabilities and low-income families.
- Billionaires like the Walton family, Bill Gates, Betsy DeVos, and Charles Koch have played significant roles in funding and pushing privatization despite their policies often failing or worsening educational outcomes.
- Evidence shows that charter schools and voucher programs often perform no better than public schools and can lead to worse outcomes, segregation, and financial fraud.
- The Department of Education plays a crucial role in ensuring educational equity, particularly for low-income students and those with disabilities, but its dismantling threatens these protections.
- Public schools serve as community anchors and promote social cohesion, equal opportunity, and democratic citizenship. Privatization undermines these roles.
- Resistance to privatization has emerged from teachers, parents, researchers, civil rights groups, and voters, highlighting the ongoing fight for public education.
- The article concludes with a call to choose between two visions of education: one as a public good essential for democracy, and the other as a privatized system that perpetuates inequality.
Big Education Ape: TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POST NOVEMBER 25, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/11/todays-top-news-yesterdays-best-blog_01722886019.html
### Key Points
- The U.S. Department of Education is advancing plans to dismantle the department, shifting responsibilities to other agencies.
- Major winter storms disrupted Thanksgiving travel across the U.S., causing delays and accidents.
- Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene resigned from Congress, citing personal reasons and frustrations with her party.
- A rapper was sentenced to 14 years for illegal campaign contributions to Barack Obama’s 2012 reelection campaign.
- The U.S. government shutdown reached its 24th day, making it the longest in history, with federal workers idled and key data releases delayed.
- Trump revoked temporary protected status for Somali migrants, sparking backlash from immigrant rights groups.
- Progress in U.S.-Ukraine peace talks was reported, though European allies criticized the plan for favoring Moscow.
- Typhoon Kalmaegi caused devastation in the Philippines and Vietnam, with 142 deaths and ongoing rescue efforts.
- Pennsylvania passed a law requiring public schools to adopt "evidence-based" reading programs by 2027-28 to address low literacy rates.
- Kristen Buras criticized New Orleans' charter school system for systemic inequities and negative impacts on Black students.
- Tennessee parents filed a lawsuit against the state's school voucher program, arguing it violates constitutional mandates for public education.
- Florida’s education system faced a $47 million deficit due to mismanagement, prompting proposals for voucher system reforms.
- Play-based learning is emphasized as crucial for children’s cognitive and emotional development, supported by neuroscience research.
- Severe shortages in teaching and nursing are projected due to potential reclassification of service-oriented degrees.
- Trump’s branding and messaging strategies are critiqued, with calls for progressives to simplify their messaging.
- Diane Ravitch’s memoir highlights her journey from a conservative reform advocate to a public education defender.
- AI-driven job cuts and technological advancements continue to reshape industries, with debates over their societal impact.
Big Education Ape: MORNING NEWS UPDATE: NOVEMBER 25, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/11/morning-news-update-november-25-2025.html
### Key Points
- The U.S. Department of Education is being dismantled, with programs shifted to other federal agencies as part of Trump's education policy.
- CDC vaccine guidance revision has reignited the vaccine-autism controversy, causing criticism from health experts.
- Severe winter storms in the Midwest have disrupted travel; Morgan Geyser was transferred to a group home, renewing discussions on juvenile rehabilitation.
- Senator Mark Kelly is under Pentagon investigation for ethics violations, while President Trump withdrew an Obamacare extension proposal.
- The U.S. and Ukraine are progressing in peace deal talks, though delicate details remain unresolved.
- Israeli airstrikes killed a Hezbollah official, escalating tensions, while Pakistan conducted successful anti-Taliban raids.
- France plans to restore voluntary military service amid security concerns, and Malaysia considers a social media ban for minors.
- Education reforms include new grant priorities and tribal education infrastructure workshops.
- Economic updates show Eurozone GDP growth, U.S. travel disruptions due to the government shutdown, and shifts in the AI chip market.
- AI advancements include new initiatives by Amazon, Microsoft, and Anthropic, alongside regulatory scrutiny of Apple in Poland.
- Health updates include bird flu concerns, infant botulism cases, and studies linking GLP-1 drugs to extended cancer survival rates.
- Sports highlights include Ohio State leading CFP rankings, South Africa dominating rugby selections, and Michigan football facing NCAA penalties.
Big Education Ape: REALLY BIG STORIES LAST MONTH https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/11/really-big-stories-last-month.html
This article compiles various news headlines, blog posts, and discussions addressing significant political, educational, and social issues. Topics include the impact of charter schools on Black students in New Orleans, the weaponization of pain in politics, the H-1B visa's effect on the American workforce, and reflections on democracy and public education.
### Key Points
- Analysis of the decline of cable news and its identity crisis.
- Discussion on Zorhan Mamdani's victory and its implications for America's political discourse.
- Examination of Bill Gates' approach to disaster preparedness and its broader implications.
- The H-1B visa program and its impact on the American Dream by prioritizing foreign-educated workers over domestic education.
- Criticism of Trump’s policies, including his approach to children's issues and political strategies.
- Exploration of wealth concentration and its effect on housing and the middle class.
- Advocacy for public education and the role of organizations defending it.
Big Education Ape: TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POST NOVEMBER 24, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/11/todays-top-news-yesterdays-best-blog_0945302641.html
Once It Was Pocket Calculators Altering the Teaching of Math, Now It's AI (Bronwen Everill) https://larrycuban.wordpress.com/2025/11/25/once-it-was-pocket-calculators-altering-the-teaching-of-math-now-its-ai-bronwen-everill/ via @CubanLarry
### Key Points
- The article discusses the parallels between the historical introduction of calculators in classrooms and the current debates surrounding AI in education.
- Advocates for AI in education compare its potential to the transformative impact of calculators, claiming it can help students focus on higher-order thinking by reducing time spent on basic tasks.
- The adoption of calculators in classrooms faced significant resistance, with debates over their impact on basic skills, leading to polarized opinions tied to broader political ideologies.
- The persistence of the TI-84 Plus calculator is attributed to its alignment with teachers' needs for a controlled and limited technology, balancing basic skills and conceptual learning.
- Historical analysis shows that technological adoption, including calculators, is often shaped by social, political, and market dynamics rather than purely by merit or efficiency.
- The article suggests that integrating AI into education may face even greater challenges than calculators, as AI tools risk bypassing critical thinking and learning processes.
New Plan to Decimate U.S. Dept. of Ed. Exposes Trump Administration's Deficient Educational Vision https://janresseger.wordpress.com/2025/11/25/new-plan-to-decimate-u-s-dept-of-ed-exposes-trump-administrations-deficient-educational-vision/ via @janresseger
### Key Points
- The U.S. Department of Education was established to ensure equal educational opportunities for marginalized groups.
- The Trump administration plans to phase out the Department of Education by transferring its programs to other federal agencies, citing bureaucratic streamlining.
- Key programs, such as Title I grants for low-income school districts, are being moved to the Department of Labor, reflecting a narrow focus on workforce preparation.
- Critics argue that this restructuring undermines the broader purpose of public education, which includes fostering democracy and protecting civil rights.
- Some essential programs, like those supporting students with disabilities, remain unaffected for now, but concerns persist about future changes.
- Republican Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick opposes the plan, emphasizing the critical role of the Department in safeguarding equity and opportunity.
The Uppity Minority: University of Houston Attacks A Divergent Thinker? – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/11/25/the-uppity-minority-the-promise-of-divergent-thinking/
### Key Points
- Divergent thinkers, like Dr. RodrÃguez, face isolation and resistance in systems that prioritize compliance and uniformity over equity and innovation.
- Dr. RodrÃguez protested scripted, restrictive teaching environments that contradicted the goals of his NSF grant, which emphasized authentic, inquiry-based STEM education for bilingual and marginalized students.
- The University of Houston retaliated against Dr. RodrÃguez for his ethical stance, silencing his dissent through procedural maneuvers, withheld pay, and attempts to coerce him into signing an NDA.
- The political climate in Texas, marked by centralized control and scripted curricula, undermines creativity, inquiry, and genuine student learning.
- Dr. RodrÃguez’s case underscores the importance of ethical leadership in education, challenging systems that prioritize optics over outcomes and order over imagination.
Teacher Tom: But Are They Well-Behaved? https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2025/11/but-are-they-well-behaved.html
### Key Points
- Traditional classroom management often relies on behaviorism, which emphasizes control, obedience, and external motivation through rewards and punishments.
- Behaviorism is criticized as disrespectful and outdated, as it disregards the natural ways children learn and develop.
- Play-based classrooms focus on self-regulation, curiosity, and collaboration, allowing children to learn through natural consequences rather than imposed rules.
- Teacher Tom’s course, "Controlled Chaos," is designed to help educators create play-based classrooms that maximize learning, freedom, and fun while minimizing challenging behaviors.
- True play-based learning treats children as fully-formed individuals with rights, responsibilities, and freedoms, fostering their intellectual, emotional, and social growth.
glen brown: The Silent Massacre of Millions in Ukraine https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/11/the-silent-massacre-of-millions-in.html
### Key Points
- The US and Ukraine revised a 19-point peace plan, leaving sensitive decisions to the presidents of both nations.
- Contentious topics, including territorial concessions and NATO relations, were "placed in brackets" for future leadership decisions.
- The talks in Geneva were tense initially but resulted in a positive atmosphere and agreements on key issues.
- European allies participated in later sessions to coordinate positions and shared priorities.
- The partnership between the US and Ukraine was preserved, with optimism for a viable peace document.
Public Education: Enlightenment’s Torch or Oligarchy’s Bonfire? https://ru4people.substack.com/p/public-education-enlightenments-torch
### Key Points
- Public education, historically a democratic equalizer, is now being eroded by privatization and billionaire influence.
- The Trump administration’s redistribution of the Department of Education’s responsibilities weakens its effectiveness and promotes inequality.
- Founding Fathers like Jefferson and Adams emphasized education as essential for democracy and equality, contrasting with today’s profit-driven motives.
- Modern reforms, such as vouchers and charters, often worsen inequality by benefiting affluent students and leaving marginalized groups behind.
- Privatization efforts, led by figures like Betsy DeVos and Bill Gates, prioritize profits over public welfare, undermining the original vision of public education.
- Grassroots efforts, including teacher strikes and parental activism, push back against the oligarchic control of education.
GOOD NIGHT NURSE THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION DOWNGRADES THE LADDER TO SUCCESS https://ru4people.substack.com/p/good-night-nurse-the-department-of
### Key Points
- The Department of Education redefined “professional degrees,” excluding nursing, physical therapy, and public health professionals from higher federal student loan limits.
- The number of qualifying programs dropped from 2,000 to fewer than 600, leaving essential professions like Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants unsupported.
- The new loan cap of $20,500 annually is insufficient for graduate nursing programs, pushing students toward high-interest private loans.
- The policy worsens healthcare workforce shortages, especially in rural and underserved areas, as fewer students can afford these careers.
- Critics highlight the exclusion of female-dominated professions, raising concerns about equity and systemic bias.
- The stated rationale of controlling tuition costs ignores systemic issues, shifting financial burdens to students rather than addressing root problems.
- Advocacy groups like the AACN are urging the Department to reverse the policy and recognize nursing as a professional degree.
The H-1B Dustup and What the Hell Has Happened to the American Dream https://ru4people.substack.com/p/the-h-1b-dustup-and-what-the-hell
The article critiques the state of the American Dream, focusing on the H-1B visa program and its impact on American workers and education. It highlights how the U.S. has prioritized importing foreign talent over investing in its own workforce, creating a system that benefits corporations at the expense of the middle class. The piece outlines systemic issues like defunded education, offshored jobs, and reliance on foreign labor, calling for urgent reforms to restore fairness and opportunity for Americans.
### Key Points
- The H-1B visa program has been manipulated to favor corporations, allowing them to import cheaper foreign talent rather than investing in American education and workers.
- Public education has been underfunded, leaving STEM training accessible only to the wealthy or those willing to take on massive debt.
- The dominance of Indian and Chinese workers in the H-1B system reflects systemic flaws, including Congress's failure to address green card backlogs.
- The program disproportionately benefits tech giants while pricing out smaller businesses and startups.
- The narrative of a "talent shortage" is misleading, as American STEM graduates face debt and competition against cheaper, foreign-educated workers.
- The article calls for rebuilding the education system, reforming immigration policies, and creating an economy that supports the middle class.
Seattle Schools Community Forum: Bye, Bye, Department of Education https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2025/11/bye-bye-department-of-education.html?spref=tw
### Key Points
- The U.S. Department of Education announced interagency agreements to shift responsibilities to other federal agencies, aiming to streamline and decentralize education programs.
- The Trump administration has pushed to abolish the Department of Education, but Congress has resisted, though a new bill proposes its elimination by 2026.
- Critics, including the National Education Association (NEA), warn that dismantling the department could defund programs like Title 1 and IDEA, harming low-income and disabled students.
- Programs like Pell Grants and federal student loans may be impacted, potentially reducing access to higher education for millions of students.
- Specific partnerships include DOL managing K-12 programs, DOI focusing on Native American education, and HHS overseeing child care and foreign medical school accreditation.
- There are concerns about the capacity of other agencies to manage the Education Department’s responsibilities, particularly in protecting civil rights and ensuring accountability.
The grifter family strikes again. 'Loyalty is priceless — and billable.' -- Anon MICHAEL KLONSKY https://klonsky.substack.com/p/the-grifter-family-strikes-again
- Trump’s sons promoted a “Made in the USA” mobile phone and wireless service called Trump Mobile, but five months after the event, no phones have been delivered.
- The Trump Mobile website changed its language from “Made in the USA” to vaguer terms, raising doubts about the authenticity of the product.
- Promotional images included a doctored photo of a Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, further questioning the credibility of Trump Mobile’s claims.
- Experts state it is nearly impossible to manufacture a truly “Made in the USA” smartphone without foreign involvement, especially on the timeline promised by Trump Mobile.
- The article warns against trusting schemes that exploit patriotism, particularly from individuals with a history of fraud.
Voucher Swamp Devours Florida Education Dollars Florida has one of the nation's most expansive school voucher schemes - and it's costing the state (and students) ANDY SPEARS https://theeducationreport.substack.com/p/voucher-swamp-devours-florida-education
### Key Points
- Florida's school voucher program has systemic failures, including double-dipping and mismanagement, leading to a $47 million deficit in the 2024–25 K–12 education budget.
- 22,000 students were identified as receiving vouchers while attending public schools, leaving districts unfunded for these students.
- Public schools face budget cuts, such as Lake County schools reducing their budget by $16 million mid-year, impacting teacher raises.
- Private schools accepting vouchers experience issues like payment delays, fluctuating scholarship amounts, and technical failures.
Choosing Democracy: Support Students : Eat Well https://choosingdemocracy.blogspot.com/2025/11/support-students-eat-well.html
