May Day 2026 Toolkit | NEA
https://www.nea.org/mayday-toolkit
TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POSTS
APRIL 17, 2026
Last Words from the Late Vivian Connell https://dianeravitch.net/2026/04/16/last-words-from-the-late-vivian-connell/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Norm Eisen, former White House ethics officer, urges an investigation into financial dealings involving Trump's family and associates.
- A complaint was filed with the SEC regarding ALT5 Sigma's (ALTS) financial transactions and governance failures.
- ALTS allegedly redirected a substantial amount of investor funds to Trump-linked ventures, raising concerns about compliance and governance.
- Significant financial and legal issues surround ALTS, including risks of delisting from Nasdaq and substantial fiscal losses.
- The case highlights broader concerns about the intersection of political power and private profit, urging scrutiny from enforcement authorities.
Big Education Ape: FOUR DAYS TO FAILURE: HOW BILLIONAIRES ARE QUIETLY BUYING THE FUTURE — AND LEAVING YOUR KIDS OUT OF THE DEAL #MAYDAYSTRONG https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/04/four-days-to-failure-how-billionaires.html
The article highlights various issues surrounding public education in the U.S., focusing on the four-day school week trend and its consequences. It discusses the privatization agenda driven by billionaires, the academic and nutritional impacts on students, and the challenges faced by teachers and schools due to underfunding. The four-day week is portrayed as a symptom of systemic neglect rather than a genuine solution, with significant disparities emerging between well-funded and underfunded districts.
### Key Points
- Billionaire-driven privatization strategies are systematically defunding public schools, promoting edtech platforms and subscription models over traditional education systems.
- The adoption of four-day school weeks is rising, but research shows it negatively affects student achievement and exacerbates food insecurity among vulnerable children.
- Teacher retention issues persist, with mid-career educators leaving due to burnout caused by compressed schedules.
- Colorado is a central focus of the debate, reflecting the broader national implications of the four-day school week trend.
- State legislatures are responding unevenly, with policies that often reinforce disparities between wealthy and struggling districts.
- The privatization agenda prioritizes profit over effective education, creating a two-track system that disadvantages rural and low-income students.
Big Education Ape: FOUR DAYS TO FAILURE: HOW BILLIONAIRES ARE QUIETLY BUYING THE FUTURE — AND LEAVING YOUR KIDS OUT OF THE DEAL #MAYDAYSTRONG https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/04/four-days-to-failure-how-billionaires.html
The article examines the growing trend of four-day school weeks in the U.S., driven by funding cuts and privatization efforts led by billionaires. It highlights the negative impacts on students, including reduced learning outcomes, increased food insecurity, and higher teacher turnover. The piece critiques the privatization agenda, which prioritizes profit over education, and warns of a two-tiered education system that disadvantages underfunded districts.
### Key Points
- The four-day school week has expanded to over 2,100 schools across 26 U.S. states, increasing by 600% since 1999.
- The shift to a four-day school week is driven by financial constraints, not educational benefits, and is framed as a cost-saving measure despite its harmful effects on students.
- Research shows that students in four-day districts experience slower academic growth, with high school math scores significantly lower than those in five-day districts.
- Vulnerable children face increased food insecurity and higher risks of substance abuse due to the loss of school-provided meals and structured environments on the fifth day.
- The four-day week has failed to address teacher shortages effectively, with mid-career educators leaving due to burnout.
- Billionaires and edtech advocates are pushing for privatization and technology-driven solutions, which prioritize profit over equitable education.
- The trend risks creating a two-track education system, benefiting wealthy districts while leaving underfunded ones to struggle.
Big Education Ape: TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POSTS APRIL 16, 2026 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/04/todays-top-news-yesterdays-best-blog_0869195926.html
The article provides a comprehensive overview of global, national, and educational developments, focusing on political, economic, technological, and social issues as of April 16, 2026. It highlights topics such as escalating U.S.-Iran tensions, the privatization of education, AI integration in classrooms, severe weather incidents, and political controversies. The narrative critiques various policies, emphasizes the importance of equity and democracy, and explores the ethical implications of emerging technologies in education and governance.
### Key Points
- The Trump administration has redefined civil rights protections, leading to debates on diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I.) policies.
- Severe weather has caused multiple tornadoes, damaging winds, and flooding across several states, affecting over 50 million Americans.
- A high school principal in Oklahoma disarmed a gunman, preventing fatalities in a school shooting incident.
- Eric Swalwell resigned from Congress amid sexual misconduct allegations, raising broader ethical concerns.
- President Trump signaled potential progress in U.S.-Iran ceasefire talks with Pakistani mediation, despite ongoing tensions.
- Senate Republicans blocked Democratic efforts to end the Iran war, while U.S.-Iran conflict continues with a naval blockade and sanctions.
- The Trump administration proposed a record $1.5 trillion defense budget for 2027, prioritizing military spending over domestic programs.
- AI is increasingly used in healthcare, education, and other industries, with debates on its ethical implications and equity concerns.
- The Smithsonian National Zoo introduced its first Asian elephant born in 25 years.
- Texas faced backlash for excluding Islamic schools from a voucher program, leading to legal challenges and accusations of discrimination.
- Bipartisan education reform advocates seek to revive standardized testing and accountability measures, despite criticisms of past failures.
- Voucher programs like ECCA and FLEX Acts are criticized for diverting public funds to private schools, exacerbating inequality in education funding.
- Ohio spends more on private and charter schools than public schools in many communities, raising concerns about accountability and equity.
- The Houston Reading Study and "Science of Reading" framework are critiqued for methodological flaws and exclusion of critical social factors like ACEs and race.
- A debate between AI systems, Google's Gemini and Anthropic's Claude, highlighted differing views on AI's role in K-12 education, with Claude emphasizing the importance of human connection.
- The Trump administration faces backlash for its handling of the U.S.-Iran conflict, controversial policies like erasing January 6 convictions, and tensions with Mexico over migrant deaths.
- The article critiques Trump's grandiose behavior, including his self-comparison to divine figures, and advocates for democratic values and equity.
- Courage and integrity in addressing societal inequities, particularly in education, are emphasized in a podcast discussing humanity and freedom.
Big Education Ape: MORNING NEWS UPDATE: APRIL 16, 2026 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/04/morning-news-update-april-16-2026.html
### Key Points
Big Education Ape: ATTACK OF THE VOUCHER VULTURES: HOW THE ECCA & FLEX ACTS ARE PICKING THE PUBLIC CLEAN #MayDayStrong https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/04/attack-of-voucher-vultures-how-ecca.html
The article critiques the Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA) and the Funding Local Education with Excellence (FLEX) Act, arguing that they divert public funds to private entities, reduce public school funding, and lack transparency and accountability. The post emphasizes the detrimental effects on public education and urges readers to take action to protect public schools.
### Key Points
- Ohio spent more on school privatization than public schools in many communities.
- The ECCA and FLEX Acts are described as mechanisms to redirect public funds to private schools with minimal accountability.
- Wealthy donors and corporations benefit significantly from tax credits under ECCA, while public schools and underprivileged students lose out.
- The FLEX Act facilitates the use of public funds for private or religious institutions, bypassing public oversight.
- These acts are criticized for creating a self-sustaining system that perpetuates inequality in education funding.
- States opting into ECCA exacerbate public school funding challenges, with examples like Arizona showing significant budget deficits due to voucher programs.
- The article calls for public action to oppose these policies and support public education.
Big Education Ape: TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POSTS APRIL 15, 2026 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/04/todays-top-news-yesterdays-best-blog_01395687011.html
The article covers a range of global, national, and educational developments, including escalating U.S.-Iran tensions, AI integration in education, political controversies, and the privatization of public education. It critiques various policies, highlights societal challenges, and emphasizes the importance of equity, democracy, and regulation in addressing these issues.
Big Education Ape: MORNING NEWS UPDATE: APRIL 15, 2026 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/04/morning-news-update-april-15-2026.html
The article provides a comprehensive overview of current global and national events as of April 15, 2026, touching on political, economic, educational, and technological developments. Key highlights include the U.S.-Iran conflict, political shifts in the U.S., changes in education policies, advancements in AI, and economic trends influenced by geopolitical tensions.
Big Education Ape: WHEN THE AI BOTS ARGUED ABOUT WHETHER AI BOTS BELONG IN SCHOOL: GOOGLE GEMINI AND CLAUDE OPUS WALKED INTO A DEBATE https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/04/when-ai-bots-argued-about-whether-ai.html
The article provides a detailed account of a debate between two AI systems, Google's Gemini and Anthropic's Claude 4.6 Opus, on whether AI should be integrated into K-12 education. The debate is structured into four rounds, with each AI presenting arguments for and against the motion. Gemini supports AI's inclusion in classrooms, emphasizing its potential to personalize learning and provide equity, while Claude opposes it, arguing that AI undermines the human-centric nature of education and poses risks to cognitive development. Ultimately, Claude is declared the winner due to its philosophical depth, emotional appeal, and effective reframing of Gemini's arguments.
Big Education Ape: PISSING INTO THE DIGITAL WIND: WHY PUBLIC EDUCATION NEEDS A PUBLIC OPTION FOR AI #MayDayStrong https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/04/pissing-into-digital-wind-why-public.html
The article discusses the increasing influence of AI in public education, comparing it to the rollout of Common Core standards, and advocates for a "Public Option for AI" to ensure equitable access and democratic accountability. It highlights the risks of privatized AI systems dominating education and proposes a government-funded, publicly managed AI infrastructure as a solution.
Trump Administration Persists in Multi-Pronged Attack on D.E. I. and Civil Rights https://janresseger.wordpress.com/2026/04/16/trump-administration-persists-in-multi-pronged-attack-on-d-e-i-and-civil-rights/ via @janresseger
The article discusses the Trump administration's efforts to undermine civil rights protections and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in education and federal programs. It highlights specific actions such as rescinding settlement agreements for transgender students, proposing anti-DEI certifications for federal grants, dissolving the Office of English Language Acquisition, and introducing new rules for college accreditors, all of which have sparked legal challenges and public opposition.
### Key Points
- The Trump administration has attacked civil rights protections for marginalized groups, including Black, Hispanic, Native American, immigrant, and transgender students.
- Settlement agreements protecting transgender students' rights have been rescinded, citing alleged discomfort of other students and athletes.
- The Office of English Language Acquisition (OELA), which supports English learners, is being dismantled, raising concerns about reduced technical assistance for immigrant students.
- A proposed ban on DEI in federal grants could jeopardize funding for schools, colleges, and nonprofits, with vague language and potential conflicts with existing laws.
- New rules for college accreditors aim to restrict policies promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, potentially undermining civil rights protections in higher education.
- Legal challenges have temporarily blocked the administration's attempt to collect extensive college admissions data, citing rushed and problematic implementation.
Special education workforce crisis Education Research Report https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/
- The U.S. special education workforce faces a critical shortage of qualified professionals, impacting the quality of education and services for students with disabilities. A new book, “Transforming the Special Education Workforce: Research and Complex Systems Perspectives,” provides a unified strategy to address recruitment, preparation, retention, and leadership challenges in special education.
- The book emphasizes whole-systems thinking, implementation science, and improvement science to address root causes of the workforce crisis. It offers frameworks for educators, policymakers, and leaders to redesign preparation pathways, support structures, and staffing models.
- Research published in *Biological Psychiatry* highlights sex-specific neural mechanisms linked to alcohol use in young adults. In males, heightened amygdala activity correlates with depressive symptoms and increased drinking, while in females, it appears protective against problematic drinking.
- A Drexel University study reveals that teens are concerned about unhealthy attachments to AI chatbots like Character.AI and Replika, which some use for emotional support. The study identifies patterns of behavioral addiction and suggests a design framework to promote healthy interactions and reduce overreliance.
- A study on high school expansion in the U.S. (1850–1910) shows increased access to education improved economic opportunities for some but widened racial and class inequalities. High schools significantly increased women’s labor force participation but had limited benefits for Black children.
- Finnish research indicates that earlier ADHD diagnosis leads to better academic outcomes and lower dropout rates. Adolescents diagnosed between ages 13 and 16 had the poorest educational outcomes, highlighting the need for timely diagnosis and support.
- A study from Université de Montréal finds that active play with parents, limited screen time, and sufficient sleep in toddlerhood predict a more active lifestyle in adolescence. Girls, in particular, benefit from such habits, as they are at higher risk of becoming sedentary during adolescence.
Curmudgucation Schools Unpaid Labor Pains PETER GREENE https://curmudgucation.substack.com/p/schools-unpaid-labor-pains
- The article discusses the controversy surrounding Florida's "Don't Say Gay" law, highlighting criticism from groups like Moms For Liberty and the implications of the law's enforcement.
- The letter mentioned in the article reflects the concerns about the law's potential to restrict LGBTQ+ discussions, with some questioning its authenticity and others defending its accuracy.
- The article hints at the ongoing public debate about the law's impact and the possible legal challenges it might provoke, with a tone suggesting skepticism and irony.
- The author references other educational controversies and cultural critiques, such as debates in New Hampshire and comments on AI products, providing a broader context to the discussion.
Curmudgucation How To Innovate On Assessment (And Why States Won't) From April 2022 PETER GREENE https://curmudgucation.substack.com/p/how-to-innovate-on-assessment-and
- States have not utilized the flexibility under ESSA to innovate on standardized testing, as students’ testing experiences remain largely unchanged since 2002.
- Challenges to innovation include disruptions caused by the pandemic and the requirement for new testing systems to be backwards compatible with old data, which limits progress.
- Suggestions for improvement include better score reporting to communicate results effectively and enhancing teachers’ classroom assessment literacy.
- The article criticizes the over-reliance on high-stakes, multiple-choice tests, arguing they are ill-suited for diverse purposes like evaluating teachers, informing curricula, and tracking student progress.
- The author suggests abandoning backward compatibility with outdated test data and instead focusing on designing assessments with clear, singular purposes.
- Computer-based testing systems are criticized for prioritizing ease of scoring over assessing meaningful educational outcomes.
- Quality assessments that are transparent, costly, and time-intensive are needed, but decision-makers often prioritize cheaper, algorithm-driven solutions.
- Test manufacturers resist transparency and better interfaces due to cost concerns, making it difficult for even trained professionals to interpret results.
- Alternative approaches to assessment, such as those proposed by Jack Schneider and Daniel Koretz, are highlighted as better solutions than current standardized tests.
Paul Thomas Writing Purpose and Process: Poetry Edition "[T]here’s poetry and there’s songwriting." Matt Berninger PAUL THOMAS https://paulthomas701128.substack.com/p/writing-purpose-and-process-poetry
- The article emphasizes the lack of genre awareness among students, noting they often confuse different literary forms like plays and novels, and highlights the importance of teaching authentic writing practices.
- Matt Berninger, lead singer of The National, discusses his songwriting process in a recent interview, emphasizing the distinction between songwriting and poetry, and the importance of writing purpose and process.
- Berninger uses unconventional methods, such as scribbling lyrics on baseballs, to capture ideas, illustrating an authentic and creative writing process.
- The article stresses the importance of teaching students to write with purpose, intent, and awareness of form and audience, moving beyond formulaic academic writing.
- The author argues against the use of AI in writing education, advocating for students to experience the full writing process, from brainstorming to final presentation.
- The author, Paul Thomas, is a professor and poetry editor who advocates for fostering genuine engagement in writing among students.
Reading Crisis and Legislation: April 2026 Updates "[E]xperts say requiring those students to repeat grades creates short-term improvements and long-term negative effects that carry into adulthood." Alexia Aston, The Oklahoman PAUL THOMAS https://paulthomas701128.substack.com/p/reading-crisis-and-legislation-april
- Experts warn that grade retention policies, such as those proposed in Oklahoma, may offer short-term improvements but lead to long-term negative effects for students.
- Alexia Aston’s article critiques Oklahoma’s reading legislation and highlights issues with similar policies in Mississippi.
- A podcast episode featuring Jason Reynolds discusses the reading crisis and includes an interview with Professor Paul Thomas, who debunks myths surrounding the "Science of Reading."
- Professor Thomas testified before the Alaska Senate committee on education funding, presenting research on reading proficiency and critiquing the misuse of educational models like NAEP and value-added assessments.
- The "Science of Reading" movement faces criticism for its narrow focus on improving comprehension tied to researcher-designed tests rather than broader standardized assessments.
- LETRS, a reading instruction program, is critiqued for its problematic implementation in educational policy and its questionable effectiveness.
BROOKLYN Book Launch May 18 | Bill Ayers https://billayers.org/2026/04/16/brooklyn-book-launch-may-18/
- The Greenlight Bookstore website uses cookies to enhance user experience, analyze usage, and assist in marketing efforts. Users must reset their passwords on the new website.
- Greenlight Bookstore is hosting a pre-release book launch for Zayd Ayers Dohrn's memoir "Dangerous, Dirty, Violent, and Young: A Fugitive Family in the Revolutionary Underground" on May 18, 2026, from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM at their Brooklyn location.
- The memoir recounts Dohrn's childhood as the son of Weather Underground radicals, revealing the emotional and physical challenges of growing up in a fugitive family.
- The book explores themes of radical resistance, the Weathermen’s bombing campaigns, alliances with the Black Liberation Army, and Assata Shakur's dramatic prison break.
- Jelani Cobb, an educator and dean of Columbia Journalism School, will join Dohrn for a reading, discussion, audience Q&A, and book signing during the event.
- The memoir will be officially published on May 19, 2026, and is available for preorder for $32.99.
- Greenlight Bookstore offers additional services such as events, newsletters, and customer support information.
Teacher Tom: Building Furniture With Preschoolers https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2026/04/building-furniture-with-preschoolers.html
### Key Points
- The author describes a collaborative project where preschoolers, guided by adults, assemble furniture, emphasizing the value of hands-on learning and teamwork.
- Sorting parts and following instructions are highlighted as valuable skills for children, fostering concentration, fine motor skills, and problem-solving abilities.
- Children actively participate in identifying parts, using creative terms like "lozenges," and solving real-world puzzles, which some children find naturally engaging.
- The project involves all children and parent-teachers over three days, with a focus on the process rather than rushing to complete the task.
- The activity teaches responsibility, pride, and the importance of contributing to a community, with children taking their roles seriously.
- Real-world projects like furniture assembly or cooking help build confidence, skills, and a sense of belonging in children.
glen brown: Dear Marjorie Taylor Greene https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2026/04/dear-marjorie-taylor-greene.html
- The writer emphasizes the importance of resisting oppression and maintaining independence in thought and action, referencing figures like Ambrose Bierce and Albert Camus.
- The article critiques the inefficiency and inequity of the American healthcare system, highlighting excessive costs, poor outcomes, and corporate profiteering.
- It discusses the benefits of free higher education, referencing the transformative impact of the GI Bill and its economic returns.
- The article criticizes "trickle-down" economics and advocates for higher taxes on the wealthy and corporations to restore economic equity and middle-class vitality.
- Suggestions are made for policy improvements, including public transportation, environmental protection, immigration reform, and fostering social inclusivity.
Nancy’s Substack Let's Pay Teachers Overtime! See how long that lasts... NANCY FLANAGAN https://flanagann.substack.com/p/lets-pay-teachers-overtime
- The article discusses whether teachers should receive overtime pay, suggesting that the real issue is that teachers should be paid professional salaries for their professional work.
- A teacher-led consortium in 2007 explored alternative teacher compensation models to improve recruitment and retention, emphasizing paying experienced educators fairly and offering leadership opportunities without forcing them out of classrooms.
- The consortium rejected the idea of tying teacher pay to student test scores but acknowledged flaws in the single-scale salary system, proposing adjustments to honor teachers' expertise.
- The article critiques the notion of paying teachers overtime for additional tasks, arguing that it would be financially unsustainable for districts and potentially counterproductive by discouraging above-and-beyond efforts.
- Despite discussions and reports on improving teacher compensation over the years, progress has been limited, as evidenced by the recurring debate on issues like overtime pay.
The article discusses the challenges and limitations of removing a sitting president, particularly Donald Trump, through impeachment or the 25th Amendment. It emphasizes the structural hurdles in both processes and advocates for the creation of a broad-based pro-democracy movement as a more effective solution. Historical context on impeachment and the 25th Amendment is provided, alongside critiques of Trump’s presidency and the current political climate.
TRUMP IN THE NEWS TODAY
Donald Trump: Top 10 News Stories – April 17, 2026
The political landscape today is dominated by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the President’s increasingly bold domestic infrastructure plans. Here are the top 10 stories regarding Donald Trump for April 17, 2026:
Lebanon-Israel Ceasefire Begins: President Trump announced a formal 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, which took effect at 5:00 PM EST.
He credited "excellent conversations" with Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Aoun for the breakthrough. "Triumphal Arch" Design Approved: A federal agency has approved the concept design for Trump’s proposed 250-foot "Triumphal Arch" at the entrance to Washington D.C.
The gilded monument is intended to mark America’s 250th anniversary but faces lawsuits over disrupting historical sightlines. Strained Relations with Australia: Trump lashed out at Australia again today, expressing frustration that they have not provided military aid for the U.S. naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.
Potential Talks in Islamabad: The White House has signaled that a second round of direct talks with Iranian officials could occur in Pakistan as early as today or tomorrow, aimed at extending the current temporary truce.
Conflict with the Vatican: A public feud continues between Trump and Pope Leo.
The Pope has been outspoken against the U.S. war on Iran, while Trump has labeled the pontiff's comments as interference. Pressure on the Federal Reserve: Trump has doubled down on his threat to fire Fed Chair Jerome Powell if he does not vacate his seat by May 15.
The President also mentioned a "criminal investigation" into recent renovations at the central bank's headquarters. White House Ballroom Dispute: Despite court rulings suggesting congressional approval is necessary, Trump remains adamant that he will move forward with his planned White House ballroom, calling the legal hurdles "unnecessary."
Immigration Detention Diplomacy: Brazilian ex-intelligence chief Alexandre Ramagem was released from U.S. immigration custody yesterday; he publicly thanked President Trump for the intervention, though no formal evidence of a direct order has been released.
Arms Sales "Cracks" in Congress: While a House effort to curtail Trump’s war powers failed, a significant Senate vote showed "massive cracks" in support for military aid to Israel, with 40 Democratic senators voting to block certain equipment sales.
Diet Soda Health Claims: In a lighter but widely circulated story, Trump defended his heavy consumption of diet soda during a recent appearance with Mehmet Oz, suggesting it has "preventative" health benefits.
