glen brown: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's Speech https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2026/01/canadian-prime-minister-mark-carneys.html
This article is a detailed exploration of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's speech at Davos in January 2026, where he discusses the shifting global order, the challenges posed by great power rivalries, and the need for middle powers like Canada to adapt strategically. The speech emphasizes the decline of the rules-based international order, the rise of economic coercion, and the importance of building resilience and sovereignty through strategic autonomy, alliances, and diversification. It also highlights Canada's proactive measures in defense, trade, and diplomacy to navigate this new reality while upholding values such as human rights and sustainability.### Key Points
- Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney discusses the rupture in the global order and the end of the rules-based international system.
- Middle powers like Canada are urged to build a new order based on values such as sovereignty, solidarity, and human rights.
- Václav Havel's concept of "living within a lie" is used to illustrate the fragility of systems sustained by compliance, urging countries to act with honesty and integrity.
- The speech critiques the asymmetries and hypocrisies of the old international order and calls for strategic autonomy in energy, finance, and supply chains.
- Canada is adopting "values-based realism," balancing principles with pragmatic engagement to address global challenges.
- The government is prioritizing domestic strength through investments in energy, AI, defense, and trade partnerships to enhance resilience and sovereignty.
- Canada is actively forming alliances and coalitions to tackle issues like Arctic sovereignty, plurilateral trade, and critical minerals.
- Middle powers are encouraged to unite and create a "third path" to counterbalance great power dominance and economic coercion.
- Canada embraces its role as a pluralistic, reliable partner, aiming to lead by example in building a cooperative and just global order.
Overturning the Tables of Graft in a St. Paul Church – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2026/01/23/overturning-the-tables-of-graft-in-a-st-paul-church/
Overturning the Tables of Graft in a St. Paul Church explores the ethical and moral implications of institutional corruption and the role of disruption in restoring justice. Using the Gospel story of Jesus overturning tables in the temple, the article draws parallels to modern-day institutions and their accountability, highlighting the importance of ethical action, moral clarity, and the power of protest to expose and correct systemic injustices.### Key Points
- The Gospel story of Jesus overturning tables in the temple serves as a metaphor for challenging institutional corruption and unethical practices.
- Jesus’ actions were driven by moral clarity and not by violence, aiming to expose hypocrisy, injustice, and misuse of sacred spaces.
- Disruption, while uncomfortable, can lead to restoration, healing, and inclusion, as seen in the aftermath of Jesus’ actions.
- Ethical reform is both subtractive (removing corruption) and generative (creating space for justice and healing).
- The story emphasizes the distinction between ethical disruption and coercion, advocating for accountability without authoritarianism.
- It draws parallels to contemporary issues, such as the recent St. Paul church incident, questioning the legitimacy of institutions entangled with power and injustice.
- The article concludes that ethical protest and disruption are essential for maintaining justice and democracy, as they challenge systems to uphold their moral and ethical responsibilities.
Teacher Tom: Exploring the World is How We Explore Our Minds https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2026/01/exploring-world-is-how-we-explore-our.html
Teacher Tom reflects on the process of early childhood exploration and connection, using the story of a two-year-old girl, Paula, as an example. He emphasizes the importance of hands-on learning, the role of loved ones in fostering exploration, and the concept of creating an extended family or community for children to thrive. He concludes by advocating for play-based education and the nurturing of communal connections as essential aspects of life and learning.### Key Points
- A two-year-old named Paula explores her new preschool environment, starting with a connection to a stuffed bear.
- Paula gradually transitions from relying on her mother to interacting with her teacher, peers, and the environment, showcasing the natural process of learning and connection.
- Exploration is described as a fundamental way humans connect their knowledge with new experiences, often in the context of a supportive community.
- Teacher Tom highlights the value of extended families and communities in supporting children’s growth, referencing Kurt Vonnegut’s perspective on the importance of connection.
- The article concludes with a promotion for an upcoming workshop on play-based education and a call to support Teacher Tom's efforts.
Congressional sniping https://rlratto.wordpress.com/2026/01/23/congressional-sniping/ via @ratto_rr
A retired elementary school teacher reflects on the decline of Congressional hearings over the past decade, criticizing their transformation into partisan showmanship aimed at generating social media sound bites rather than gathering meaningful information for legislative purposes. The author highlights a recent hearing involving Jack Smith, contrasting the behavior of Republicans and Democrats, and calls for a return to bipartisan efforts that prioritize serving the nation.### Key Points
- Congressional hearings have devolved into partisan sniping sessions focused on social media attention rather than legislative action.
- A recent House hearing with Jack Smith demonstrated this trend, with Republicans attempting to trap him and Democrats allowing him to provide substantial responses.
- The author laments the loss of bipartisan cooperation in Congress and warns of dire consequences for the nation if the focus remains on political showmanship.
Has "Science of" Education Reform in the UK "Achieved Competitive Advantage Over" the US? "Science of" Education Reform Experts on Social Media® Don't Lack Certainty, But Do Lack Credibility PAUL THOMAS https://substack.com/home/post/p-185537367
### Key Points- The article critiques "Science of" education reform experts on social media for making bold claims without sufficient evidence, highlighting the lack of credibility and over-reliance on terms like "knowledge-rich" and "cognitive psychology."
- It questions the claim that the UK has gained a "competitive advantage" over the US in education reform, citing a lack of evidence and ongoing educational crises in the UK despite the implementation of systematic phonics instruction since 2006.
- Research indicates that the UK's focus on phonics has not improved overall reading comprehension or student achievement, and a more balanced approach to reading instruction has been recommended by researchers.
- The author references studies that challenge the effectiveness of phonics-centered education and criticizes policies such as cellphone bans, which are not supported by scientific research.
Meeting the Moment: Protecting Kids, Making Sense of Chaotic Times What schools can do when the government makes students and families feel unsafe ANDY SPEARS https://theeducationreport.substack.com/p/meeting-the-moment-protecting-kids
What’s happening in Minnesota (and in cities around the country) - a masked, paramilitary force terrorizing communities and schools, causing chaos, and creating uncertainty - impacts students. Yes, those in the communities where ICE is using aggressive, unnecessary tactics - and also among students watching all across the United States. What can educators do? ### Key Points
- The article discusses the impact of aggressive ICE raids in Minnesota and other U.S. cities, causing fear and instability among students and families.
- Educators, particularly school librarians, play a crucial role in providing safety, emotional support, and stability for students during uncertain times.
- Librarians are positioned as essential figures who can act as safety nets, truth-checkers, and emotional anchors for students affected by these events.
- The importance of creating safe, supportive spaces in schools, where students feel dignified and secure, is emphasized.
NYC Public School Parents: Craig Garrett on the need for human-centered schools rather than learning based upon AI. https://nycpublicschoolparents.blogspot.com/2026/01/craig-garrett-on-need-for-human.html
NYC Public School Parents blog discusses Craig Garrett's advocacy for human-centered education over AI-driven learning. Garrett, a parent leader in District 14, criticizes the prioritization of expensive AI technologies while schools face urgent infrastructure issues like broken bathrooms and PA systems. He highlights the negative impacts of AI in classrooms, such as student isolation and cognitive decline, and urges a moratorium on AI use in NYC public schools. The blog also provides resources for parents to opt out of data sharing, sign petitions, and stay informed about educational policies and events.### Key Points
- Craig Garrett advocates for human-centered education instead of AI-based learning, citing harmful effects on students and misplaced funding priorities.
- Criticism of NYC school leadership for prioritizing costly AI contracts over addressing basic infrastructure issues in schools.
- Concerns about AI's real-world impact, including negative effects on students and ethical issues with tech companies prioritizing engagement over safety.
- Call for a two-year moratorium on AI use in NYC public schools, with petitions and forums to raise awareness and gather support.
- Resources for parents on privacy protection, class size petitions, and involvement in educational policy discussions.
Dear Ohio Anti-Property Tax Campaign, the State of Ohio should NOT pay for education alone The Ohio Supreme Court called for a reduction in schools' overreliance on property tax, not those taxes' elimination. STEPHEN DYER https://10thperiod.substack.com/p/dear-ohio-anti-property-tax-campaign
Dear Ohio Anti-Property Tax Campaign, the State of Ohio should NOT pay for education alone. The article discusses the issue of eliminating property taxes in Ohio and its implications for school funding and other public services. The author argues against the abolition of property taxes, emphasizing that while there is a need to reduce reliance on them, eliminating them entirely would lead to disastrous consequences for school districts and communities. The article critiques the inefficiency of charter schools and private school subsidies and proposes alternative solutions to address funding issues without completely removing property taxes.### Key Points
- The Ohio Supreme Court called for a reduction in reliance on property taxes for school funding, not their elimination.
- The state's failure to fully fund its school funding system has led to local communities relying heavily on property taxes.
- Eliminating property taxes without a replacement plan would result in severe consequences for school districts, including closures, staff reductions, and loss of essential services.
- Charter schools and private school subsidies are criticized for inefficiency and poor academic outcomes compared to public schools.
- Ohio school districts raise significant revenue through property taxes, which cannot be replaced easily.
- Suggested alternatives include reducing property taxes proportionally to state aid increases, implementing a statewide property tax for basic education needs, or reforming HB 920 to reduce levy frequency and size.
- Eliminating property taxes would negatively impact other public services such as libraries, mental health services, and infrastructure.
The Timing Tells You Everything https://norinrad10.com/2026/01/23/the-timing-tells-you-everything/ via @norinrad10
The article critiques Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) for hosting Colin Kaepernick on the anniversary of a tragic school shooting, questioning the timing and priorities of the district. It examines Kaepernick's visit, which was tied to promoting his storytelling platform Lumi, and contrasts the district's treatment of Kaepernick with their handling of the Antioch High School shooting anniversary. The article also highlights discrepancies in MNPS's decision-making processes, including the unclear criteria for vendor selection and the perceived lack of institutional accountability for past incidents.### Key Points
- MNPS hosted Colin Kaepernick on the anniversary of the Antioch High School shooting, raising questions about the district’s priorities.
- Kaepernick’s visit was linked to promoting Lumi, a digital storytelling platform, rather than addressing gun violence or school safety.
- Concerns were raised about MNPS’s decision to adopt Lumi without sufficient evaluation of its educational value or necessity.
- The district’s lack of public acknowledgment of the Antioch tragedy contrasts with its promotion of the Kaepernick event.
- The article contrasts Kaepernick’s reception with that of Kevin Dyson, another former NFL player with extensive educational experience, highlighting a disparity in how MNPS engages with individuals.
- The piece critiques MNPS’s decision-making, including its handling of vendor contracts and leadership appointments, pointing out inconsistencies and lack of transparency.
TRUMP IN THE NEWS TODAY
Today, January 23, 2026, news surrounding President Donald Trump is dominated by his activities at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, and a flurry of executive actions marking the start of his second year in office.
The following are the top stories involving the President today:
1. The Launch of the "Board of Peace"
In a high-profile ceremony in Davos, President Trump officially inaugurated his Board of Peace, an initiative he claims will eventually "supplant" or work alongside the United Nations to resolve global conflicts.
Gaza Vision: Jared Kushner presented a "New Gaza" development plan involving glitzy resorts and data centers, contingent on Hamas demilitarizing.
Rafah Reopening: Palestinian officials at the event announced that the Rafah crossing to Egypt will reopen next week for the first time since May 2024.
Global Membership: Trump claimed 59 countries have signed on, though only 19 leaders were physically present for the signing.
2. Arctic Security & The "Greenland Deal"
The President announced a framework deal with NATO and Denmark that grants the U.S. "total access" to Greenland for military and security purposes.
Tariffs Withdrawn: In exchange for this access, Trump has reportedly canceled threatened tariffs on eight European countries.
Golden Dome: The agreement integrates Greenland into the "Golden Dome" missile defense system to counter Arctic threats from Russia and China.
3. Diplomatic Friction in Davos
The President’s visit was not without controversy, as he sparred with several world leaders:
Carney Spat: Trump withdrew an invitation for Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to join the Board of Peace after the two traded barbs in their respective speeches.
Zelenskyy Meeting: After meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Trump stated "the war has to end," but Zelenskyy cautioned that territorial issues remain unresolved.
4. Executive Power & Domestic Policy
Back in Washington, the administration continues to push a "muscular" executive agenda:
DEI Ban: An executive order issued today formally moves to eliminate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs across federal agencies and schools.
Jack Smith Testimony: Former Special Counsel Jack Smith testified before the House Judiciary Committee yesterday, defending his previous investigations into Trump. The President responded today by calling for Smith’s prosecution.
JPMorgan Lawsuit: Trump has filed a $5 billion lawsuit against JPMorgan Chase and CEO Jamie Dimon, alleging "debanking" after his accounts were closed years prior.
5. First Lady's Agenda
The White House announced that First Lady Melania Trump will ring the opening bell of the New York Stock Exchange on January 28 to mark a year of her "Fostering the Future" initiative and her work on the "TAKE IT DOWN" Act regarding online deepfakes.
