Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights
A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
4-21-25
Beautiful! Stairwell Singing of "Ave Maria" https://dianeravitch.net/2025/04/20/beautiful-stairwell-singing-of-ave-maria/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Diane Ravitch shares a blog post celebrating Easter, featuring a stunning performance of Schubert's "Ave Maria" by a group called King’s Return, who sang in a stairwell.
- The blog reflects on Easter as a time for kindness, mercy, love, and compassion, emphasizing values like feeding the hungry and welcoming strangers.
- Comments from readers highlight their appreciation for the performance and discuss topics like religious teachings, immigration, and the role of compassion in society.
- A critique of political figures like J.D. Vance is mentioned, questioning the alignment of their actions with Christian values, particularly regarding immigration policies.
- References to Leviticus in the Bible are used to underscore the importance of caring for strangers and the less fortunate.
Evangelicals Have Office in the White House https://dianeravitch.net/2025/04/20/evangelicals-have-office-in-the-white-house/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Trump relies on evangelical Christians as a key part of his political base, despite not being personally religious.
- The Trump administration has blurred the lines between church and state, expanding the influence of conservative Christians in government.
- The White House faith office, led by Trump's personal pastor, has gained significant power and access, influencing policy and hosting events with faith leaders.
- Evangelical Christians have become highly visible and influential within the White House, affecting federal policy and promoting a religious agenda.
Easter: Reflecting on the Deaths Caused by DOGE Dismantling USAID https://dianeravitch.net/2025/04/20/david-remnick-interviews-dr-atul-gawande-about-the-death-of-usaid/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- The Trump administration is closely linked with evangelical Christians and Elon Musk's DOGE team, affecting federal agencies and social programs.
- DOGE's actions have led to inefficiency and potential loss of lives due to the closure of social security offices and cuts to Medicaid and Medicare.
- USAID, a crucial agency for delivering foreign aid, has been severely impacted, risking millions of lives due to the halt in food and drug supplies.
- Dr. Atul Gawande, who previously worked with USAID, voices concerns over the dismantling of the agency and its impact on global health.
- Gawande highlights the achievements of USAID, including saving 1.2 million lives post-COVID and improving global health outcomes.
- Criticism of USAID includes claims of inefficiency and corruption, which Gawande refutes by highlighting the agency's extensive reach and impact.
- The dismantling of USAID has led to significant job losses and halted critical health programs, potentially causing hundreds of thousands of deaths.
- The article discusses the broader implications of Trump's policies, including the attack on independent sources of knowledge and the concept of soft power.
- The reduction in foreign aid and the undermining of international cooperation could have long-term negative effects on global health and U.S. relations.
Trump Posts an Angry, Bitter Easter Message on "Truth Social" https://dianeravitch.net/2025/04/20/trump-posts-an-angry-bitter-easter-message-on-truth-social/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Trump's Easter message on TRUTH SOCIAL was filled with hate and accusations against the "Radical Left" and others.
- The message criticized President Biden and accused him of incompetence and allowing criminals into the country.
- Commenters on the blog expressed dismay at Trump's divisive rhetoric, calling for unity and civility.
- Some commenters noted the damage Trump's behavior has done to America's image and institutions.
- The post sparked discussions about the need to distance from Trump supporters who continue to endorse his views.
Do Schools Reform Society? https://larrycuban.wordpress.com/2025/04/20/do-schools-reform-society-2/ via @CubanLarry
### Key Points
- The article compares public schooling to religion and baseball, noting the common theme of "aspirations rarely met."
- John Dewey's belief in education as a method of social progress has inspired reformers for generations, yet aspirations remain unfulfilled.
- Historically, some reformers focused on economic and political issues rather than social justice.
- Examples include vocational education in the 1890s-1920s and math/science curricula in the 1950s-1960s, aimed at economic competition rather than social equity.
- Since the 1980s, reforms have focused on academic standards to compete globally, not social progress.
- Current reformers aim to provide equal educational opportunities but focus more on individual success than societal change.
- The divide over the purpose of schools persists, reflecting ongoing conflicts over whether schools can reform society.
CURMUDGUCATION: ICYMI: Easter 2025 Edition (4/20) https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2025/04/icymi-easter-2025-edition-420.html
### Key Points
- A new high-tech private school in NYC promises education through AI with only two hours of learning per day.
- Texas Governor Greg Abbott has succeeded in passing school vouchers, but the financial and political costs are yet to be fully realized.
- The MAGA movement's cultural goals for education are examined, highlighting attempts to shape future generations.
- Controversies over CTE and its applications are discussed.
- The "success sequence" anti-poverty strategy is gaining attention in schools, despite being debunked.
- Strategies to combat propaganda in educational debates are explored.
- The issue of opting out of standardized tests is analyzed from the perspective of both teachers and parents.
- A teacher faces backlash for displaying an inclusive poster, revealing divided opinions on diversity.
- Military students sue over book removals, highlighting censorship issues in schools.
- SCOTUS cases potentially threatening public education are discussed.
- The effect of Trump's tariffs on the cost of school supplies is reported.
### Key Points
- Unity is criticized for selling out health care and attacking Marianne Pizzitola, who defended retiree benefits.
- Unity's stance is that non-UFT members shouldn't criticize UFT members, a tactic seen as a diversion from their actions.
- Unity's deals, particularly on health care, are seen as harmful to city workers, including non-UFT members.
- Unity is accused of bullying tactics and failing to represent member interests effectively, with calls for new leadership.
- Marianne Pizzitola is praised for her efforts to protect retiree benefits, despite Unity's opposition.
glen brown: Fascist Musk https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/04/fascist-musk.html
### Key Points
- The role of writers is to resist oppression and maintain awareness of societal flaws.
- Criticism of political figures, including Donald Trump and Elon Musk, highlighting their controversial actions and backgrounds.
- Discussion on various social and political issues, including pensions, education reform, and healthcare.
- Concerns about the erosion of democracy and calls for organized resistance against authoritarianism.
glen brown: "What’s needed now is not just understanding and outrage, but organized defiance" - Henry Giroux https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/04/whats-needed-now-is-not-just.html
### Key Points
- The article argues that Trump's policies are a culmination of America's "scorched-earth politics" and fundamentalisms, leading to a society governed by violence and unaccountable power.
- Militarization and repression are described as state-sponsored cultures of fear targeting immigrants, dissenters, and marginalized communities.
- The government's actions are seen as a blueprint for authoritarian control, with public institutions dismantled and dissent criminalized.
- The article discusses the concept of "governmental cleansing," where the state is transformed into a tool for market supremacy, devoid of social responsibility.
- It critiques the ideological foundation of neoliberalism, which prioritizes profit over social justice and public welfare.
- The piece highlights the rise of "memory cleansing," where history is manipulated to erase the struggles of marginalized groups.
- The article describes "ideological cleansing," where dissenting voices, especially in academia, are silenced, and critical education is attacked.
- It warns against the legal cleansing that transforms law into a tool for authoritarian rule, targeting immigrants and dissenters.
- The piece emphasizes the racial cleansing policies targeting communities of color, with increased surveillance and disenfranchisement.
- The article calls for organized defiance and the reclamation of education as a means of liberation and resistance against authoritarianism.
The article discusses themes of resistance, self-sovereignty, and historical narratives through the lens of World War II, focusing on the interactions between Kate Walton and Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings. It explores the literary and personal connections in the context of the war, including references to Steinbeck's "The Moon is Down" and the Cross Creek case. The narrative intertwines historical events, personal anecdotes, and reflections on patriotism, identity, and power.
### Key Points
- The article is part of a serialized section from the book-in-progress "A Man or a Mother," focusing on self-sovereignty and invasion during 1933-1942.
- The story highlights the sinking of the Gulfamerica and themes of resistance and rebirth during World War II.
- Personal anecdotes include the author's grandchild meeting family members and reflections on generational continuity.
- The article discusses Steinbeck's "The Moon is Down," its themes of community resistance, and its adaptation into a wartime propaganda movie.
- Steinbeck's work was influential in the Norwegian resistance, receiving the King Haakon VII Freedom Cross.
- Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings hosted Sigrid Undset at Cross Creek, highlighting her social and commercial influence.
- Undset's experiences during the war are shared, emphasizing her strength and resilience.
- Marjorie's complex patriotism and her resistance to forced Americanism are explored.
- The Cross Creek case and its implications for individual privacy and self-sovereignty are discussed.
- The narrative includes historical timelines and personal letters, providing insights into the era's challenges and perspectives.
- The article concludes with reflections on the themes of power and individual rights.
Seattle Schools Community Forum: Favoritism in Seattle Schools https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2025/04/favoritism-in-seattle-schools.html?spref=tw
### Key Points
- Principals in Seattle Schools often have autonomy, but this can lead to inconsistent school management and favoritism.
- The district's lack of policies and oversight allows favoritism and misconduct to go unchecked, with principals sometimes favoring certain staff members.
- Specific cases of misconduct, such as sexual assault by coaches, highlight the failure to report and address serious issues within schools.
- There is a broader issue of nepotism and favoritism within the district's management, affecting decisions and promotions.
Easter, Public Service, and New Beginnings: Should I Run for Office? https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/04/20/easter-public-service-and-new-beginnings-should-i-run-for-office/
### Key Points
- Dr. Julian Vasquez Heilig contemplates running for public office, inspired by Easter's themes of renewal and responsibility.
- Heilig's background includes roles as a professor, dean, provost, advocate, and organizer, with a focus on equitable education.
- He previously considered running for office in Michigan but was deterred by administrative restrictions at Western Michigan University.
- Heilig emphasizes service to community and the importance of union and collective action, influenced by his family's union legacy.
- He has been recognized for his contributions to education and equity, holding various leadership roles in organizations like the NAACP.
- Heilig invites community engagement for a potential campaign focused on truth, service, and equity.
Schools Matter: Next National Day of Protest: May 1 http://www.schoolsmatter.info/2025/04/next-national-day-of-protest-may-1.html
### Key Points
- A child's learning is more influenced by classmates than teachers, as stated by James Coleman in 1972.
- Announcement of the next national protest against fascism on May 1.
- Criticism of the education industry and its impact on teachers and students, including topics like "No Excuses" teaching and the influence of big pharma on child doping.
- Discussion on poverty being a more significant factor than teacher quality in education outcomes.
- Mention of WikiLeaks revealing Hillary Clinton's involvement in promoting corporate charter schools in Haiti.
- Historical and ongoing issues in education reform, testing, and the influence of political figures.
Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights: A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts! 4-20-25
The article covers several topics related to political and educational issues, including actions by Donald Trump, resistance movements, and changes in educational policies.
### Key Points
- Trump's plans involve revoking tax-exempt status from non-profits he opposes and replacing civil servants with loyal appointees, targeting non-profits through funding cuts and bureaucratic challenges.
- Harvard University is using legal tactics to resist demands from the Trump administration, emphasizing academic freedom and leveraging its resources.
- The U.S. Naval Academy's decision to remove books by civil rights authors while retaining "Mein Kampf" is seen as part of a campaign against anti-racist education and promoting white nationalist ideologies.
- Resistance to Trump's authoritarianism is highlighted, with emphasis on the role of grassroots movements over elite interventions, critiquing reliance on elites for change.
- The article discusses the importance of taking a stand against authoritarianism, urging academic institutions and individuals to advocate for democracy and justice.
- A roundup of various educational and political topics includes school vouchers in Texas, AI's role in political advocacy, and critiques of public figures.
🔗 Listen here: https://monica.im/ai-podcast/share?id=034ba580-32ae-4bad-8c27-76686df63322
