THE CONDITION OF EDUCATION 2023( A REPORT): FROM BAD TO MAGA OH MY!!

 

THE CONDITION OF EDUCATION 2023( A REPORT): FROM BAD TO MAGA OH MY!!

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, welcome to the Condition of Education 2023! Today, we're going to take a hilarious look at the state of education in America. So grab your pencils and paper (or your laptops and tablets) and let's dive in!

First up, we have the key indicators on all levels of education. And let me tell you, these indicators are more confusing than algebra! We've got numbers flying left and right, percentages that make no sense, and graphs that look like they were made by a kindergartner. But don't worry, folks, we've got Spotlight indicators to help us out. These in-depth analyses will shed some light on selected topics. And by "shed some light," I mean they'll make you want to pull your hair out.

Now, let's talk about labor force outcomes. Because nothing says "funny" like the job market! We've got unemployment rates, wage gaps, and job growth projections. It's like a game of Monopoly, but instead of passing go and collecting $200, you're stuck in a dead-end job with no hope of advancement. But hey, at least you can afford to buy a house on Baltic Avenue, right?

And let's not forget about international comparisons. Because what's more hilarious than comparing ourselves to other countries? We've got test scores, graduation rates, and education spending. It's like the Olympics, but instead of gold medals, we're competing for the title of "Most Mediocre Education System."

But wait, there's more! The Report on the Condition of Education is also available in PDF format. Because who doesn't love reading a 200-page report on their computer screen? This report highlights and synthesizes key findings from the Condition of Education. And by "highlights and synthesizes," I mean it condenses everything into a bunch of bullet points that still make no sense.

Now, let's preview a pending disaster: The Death and Life of the Great American School System (H/T Diane Ravitch). Because nothing screams "funny" like impending doom! According to Ravitch, our education system is in shambles. We've got standardized tests that don't measure anything, charter schools that siphon off public funding, and politicians who think they know more about education than actual educators. It's like a bad comedy sketch, but instead of laughing, you're crying.

So there you have it, folks. The Condition of Education 2023: a hilarious look at the state of education in America. We've got confusing indicators, depressing job prospects, mediocre international rankings, and impending doom. But hey, at least we can all laugh about it...right?

Condition of Education (COE) Home https://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe 

THE DEFT DIVE

Title:	Condition of Education 2023
Description:	The Condition of Education 2023 is a congressionally mandated annual report summarizing the latest data from NCES and other sources on education in the United States. This report is designed to help policymakers and the public monitor educational progress.
Online Availability:	Browse the Condition of Education,  Download, view and print the report as a pdf file.  (2MB) Download, view and print the At-A-Glance for this report as a pdf file.  (218KB)
Cover Date:	August 2023
Web Release:	May 24, 2023
Publication #:	NCES 2023144REV
Center/Program:	NCES
Authors:	Irwin, V., NCES; Wang, K., Tezil, T., Zhang, J., Filbey, A., Jung, J., AIR; Bullock Mann, F., Dilig, R., and Parker, S., RTI
Type of Product:	Compendium
Survey/Program Areas:	Annual Reports and Information Staff (Annual Reports) Common Core of Data (CCD) Current Population Survey, October (CPS) Crime and Safety Surveys (CSS) High School Longitudinal Study of 2009 (HSLS:09) High School Transcript Studies (HST) International Activities Program (IAP) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS) National Teacher and Principal Survey (NTPS) Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) Private School Survey (PSS) School Pulse Panel (SPP) Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS)
Questions:	For questions about the content of this Compendium, please contact: Veronique Irwin.

YEAR-ROUND SCHOOL VS 4 -DAY WEEK: A BATTLE BETWEEN LEARNING AND COST-CUTTING

YEAR-ROUND SCHOOL VS 4 -DAY WEEK: A BATTLE BETWEEN LEARNING AND COST-CUTTING  

Are you tired of the same old boring school schedule? Do you want to spice things up and add some humor to your education? Well, look no further because we have some hilarious takes on year-round vs 4-day school weeks.

First up, year-round school. You may be thinking, "But wait, I don't want to go to school all year round!" Don't worry, it's not that kind of year-round. We're talking about a schedule that spreads out the 180 days of instruction more evenly over the year, with shorter breaks throughout instead of one long summer break.

Pros? It reduces the summer learning loss, provides more opportunities for remediation and enrichment, offers more flexibility for vacations and activities, helps teachers retain their skills and knowledge, and allows schools to accommodate more students. Cons? It disrupts traditional routines, interferes with extracurricular activities and summer events, and may create challenges for teachers.

But let's be real, the biggest con is that we won't have a three-month summer break anymore. How are we supposed to spend our days lounging by the pool or binge-watching Netflix? And what about those summer flings? Do we have to settle for a winter romance now?

Next up, the 4-day school week. Yes, you read that right. Four days of school instead of five. This trend is growing in popularity, especially in rural areas where schools face budgetary constraints and staff shortages.

Pros? It may save costs for schools, attract and retain teachers, reduce student absences, and enhance learning and engagement. Cons? It may increase costs for parents who need childcare on the fifth day, disrupt traditional routines, interfere with extracurricular activities and summer events, and create longer and more exhausting school days.

But let's focus on the pros here. Four-day school weeks mean three-day weekends. That's an extra day to sleep in, hang out with friends, or catch up on homework (just kidding). And think about all the money you'll save on gas or bus fare with one less day of commuting.

In conclusion, both year-round school and the 4-day week have their pros and cons. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and what works best for each individual. But hey, if all else fails, we can always just drop out and become TikTok famous.

Year-round school: Difference-maker or waste of time? https://theconversation.com/year-round-school-difference-maker-or-waste-of-time-211659?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=bylinetwitterbutton via @ConversationUS 

4-Day School Weeks Are Gaining Support. What Do Educators Have to Say? https://www.edweek.org/leadership/4-day-school-weeks-are-gaining-support-what-do-educators-have-to-say/2023/08 

THE DEFT DIVE

FROM BING AI

Year-round K-12 school is a type of school calendar that distributes the 180 days of instruction more evenly over the year, instead of having a long summer break and shorter breaks during the rest of the year. Year-round school can have different formats, such as single-track or multi-track, and different lengths of instructional and vacation periods, such as 45/15 or 60/20. Year-round school is not very common in the U.S., as only about 3% of public schools use this calendar. However, some states and districts are considering it as a way to address the learning loss caused by the COVID-19 pandemic¹.

There are pros and cons of year-round school for students, teachers, parents, and communities. Some of the pros are:

• - It reduces the summer learning loss that can affect academic achievement, especially for low-income and minority students¹².
• - It provides more opportunities for remediation and enrichment during the school year, instead of relying on summer programs².
• - It offers more flexibility for families to plan vacations and activities during the less crowded off-seasons¹².
• - It may help teachers retain their skills and knowledge, as well as increase their income and satisfaction¹².
• - It may allow schools to accommodate more students and save costs by using a multi-track system that maximizes the use of facilities and resources¹⁴.

Some of the cons are:

• - It increases the operating costs for schools, especially in the summer months when they need more energy and maintenance¹².
• - It disrupts the traditional rhythm and routines of students, teachers, parents, and communities that are used to the nine-month calendar¹².
• - It may interfere with extracurricular activities, summer jobs, summer camps, and family events that are usually scheduled during the summer break¹².
• - It may create challenges for teachers who need to adjust their curriculum and instruction to fit the shorter periods of time¹².
• - It may cause problems for families who have children in different schools or tracks that have different schedules and calendars¹².

Year-round school is a complex and controversial issue that has many advantages and disadvantages. There is no definitive answer to whether it is better or worse than the traditional school calendar. It depends on the needs and preferences of each student, teacher, parent, and community.

Bing, 8/30/2023

• (1) The Pros and Cons of Year-Round School Calendars. https://www.usnews.com/education/k12/articles/the-pros-and-cons-of-year-round-school-calendars.
• (2) The Pros and Cons of Year-Round School for Kids - Verywell Family. https://www.verywellfamily.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-year-round-school-621001.
• (3) The Pros & Cons of Year-Round School - Ace.edu. https://ace.edu/blog/post/2019/07/17/the-pros-cons-of-year-round-school/.
• (4) Year-Round Schooling Explained - Education Week. https://www.edweek.org/leadership/year-round-schooling-explained/2015/12.
• (5) Year-Round Or Traditional Schedule? - Public School Review. https://www.publicschoolreview.com/blog/year-round-or-traditional-schedule.

A 4-day school week is a type of school calendar that reduces the number of school days from five to four, usually by extending the length of each school day. It is a growing trend in the U.S., especially in rural areas, where schools face budgetary constraints and staff shortages. According to the web search results, there are some advantages and disadvantages of the 4-day school week for students, teachers, parents, and communities. Some of the advantages are:

• - It may save costs for schools by reducing transportation, food, and energy expenses¹.
• - It may attract and retain teachers by offering them more flexibility and professional development opportunities¹².
• - It may reduce student absences and improve attendance rates by allowing more time for family vacations and activities¹³.
• - It may enhance student learning and engagement by providing more instructional time and less homework pressure¹⁴.

Some of the disadvantages are:

• - It may increase costs for parents who need to arrange childcare or supervision for the fifth day¹³.
• - It may disrupt the traditional rhythm and routines of students, teachers, parents, and communities that are used to the five-day calendar¹³.
• - It may interfere with extracurricular activities, summer jobs, summer camps, and family events that are usually scheduled during the fifth day¹³.
• - It may affect student achievement and well-being by creating longer and more exhausting school days¹⁴.

The 4-day school week is a complex and controversial issue that has many pros and cons. There is no definitive answer to whether it is better or worse than the traditional school calendar. It depends on the needs and preferences of each student, teacher, parent, and community.

Bing, 8/30/2023

• (1) More U.S. school districts are shifting to a 4-day week. Here's why.. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/school-districts-4-day-week-teachers-parents/.
• (2) Four-Day School Week Overview - National Conference of State Legislatures. https://www.ncsl.org/education/four-day-school-week-overview.
• (3) 19 Big Advantages and Disadvantages of the 4 Day School Week. https://connectusfund.org/19-big-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-the-4-day-school-week.
• (4) 4-day school weeks: Educational innovation or detriment?. https://www.brookings.edu/articles/4-day-school-weeks-educational-innovation-or-detriment/.

A 4-day school week and a year-round school are two different types of school calendars that modify the traditional 9-month, 5-day schedule. Both have pros and cons for students, teachers, parents, and communities. Here is a summary of some of the main advantages and disadvantages of each calendar, based on the web search results:

**4-day school week**

Pros:

• - It may save costs for schools by reducing transportation, food, and energy expenses¹².
• - It may attract and retain teachers by offering them more flexibility and professional development opportunities¹².
• - It may reduce student absences and improve attendance rates by allowing more time for family vacations and activities¹³.
• - It may enhance student learning and engagement by providing more instructional time and less homework pressure¹⁴.

Cons:

• - It may increase costs for parents who need to arrange childcare or supervision for the fifth day¹³.
• - It may disrupt the traditional rhythm and routines of students, teachers, parents, and communities that are used to the five-day calendar¹³.
• - It may interfere with extracurricular activities, summer jobs, summer camps, and family events that are usually scheduled during the fifth day¹³.
• - It may affect student achievement and well-being by creating longer and more exhausting school days¹⁴.

**Year-round school**

Pros:

• - It reduces the summer learning loss that can affect academic achievement, especially for low-income and minority students² .
• - It provides more opportunities for remediation and enrichment during the school year, instead of relying on summer programs.
• - It offers more flexibility for families to plan vacations and activities during the less crowded off-seasons² .
• - It may help teachers retain their skills and knowledge, as well as increase their income and satisfaction² .
• - It may allow schools to accommodate more students and save costs by using a multi-track system that maximizes the use of facilities and resources² .

Cons:

• - It increases the operating costs for schools, especially in the summer months when they need more energy and maintenance² .
• - It disrupts the traditional rhythm and routines of students, teachers, parents, and communities that are used to the nine-month calendar² .
• - It may interfere with extracurricular activities, summer jobs, summer camps, and family events that are usually scheduled during the summer break² .
• - It may create challenges for teachers who need to adjust their curriculum and instruction to fit the shorter periods of time² .
• - It may cause problems for families who have children in different schools or tracks that have different schedules and calendars² .

Bing, 8/30/2023

• (1) Facts About 4-Day Week School & Year-Round School. https://www.theclassroom.com/4day-week-school-yearround-school-16084.html.
• (2) 4-day school weeks: Educational innovation or detriment?. https://www.brookings.edu/articles/4-day-school-weeks-educational-innovation-or-detriment/.
• (3) What the research tells us about four-day school weeks. https://www.nwea.org/blog/2023/what-the-research-tells-us-about-four-day-school-weeks/.
• (4) Can Four Equal Five? Assessing the Four-Day School Week | RAND. https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_briefs/RBA373-1.html.

NEA PRESIDENT BECKY PRINGLE DECLARES STATE OF EMERGENCY DUE TO NATIONAL TEACHER SHORTAGE

 NEA PRESIDENT BECKY PRINGLE DECLARES STATE OF EMERGENCY DUE TO NATIONAL TEACHER SHORTAGE

Breaking news: the National Education Association (NEA) has declared a state of emergency regarding the teacher shortage crisis in Indiana and across the nation. And let me tell you, folks, this crisis is chronic. It's like that nagging cough that won't go away no matter how much cough syrup you chug.

According to Becky Pringle, the president of the NEA, low pay, lack of professional respect, and pandemic impacts are leaving classrooms at a loss. It's like a perfect storm brewing in public schools. And let's not forget the high turnover rates that are making educators feel like they're on a never-ending carousel ride.

But fear not, my dear readers, because the NEA has some solutions up their sleeve. And no, it doesn't involve bribing educators with candy and cookies (although that might work too).

First off, we need to increase salaries and benefits for educators. Let's face it, folks, teachers deserve to be paid like the superheroes they are. They're not just teaching math and science, they're also teaching life skills like how to share and be kind to one another.

Secondly, we need to provide mentoring, induction, and professional development programs for new and experienced educators. Because let's be real here, teaching is not an easy job. It's like juggling ten balls while riding a unicycle on a tightrope. Okay, maybe not that extreme, but you get the point.

Thirdly, we need to create a positive school climate that fosters collaboration, respect, and autonomy for educators. Let's make schools a place where teachers feel like they're part of a team instead of feeling like they're on their own island.

Fourthly, we need to support diversity and inclusion in the educator workforce. Because let's face it, folks, our student population is diverse and our educators should reflect that diversity too. Plus, it's always good to have different perspectives and ideas in the classroom.

Fifthly, we need to invest in public education funding. Because let's face it, folks, education is the foundation of our society. And if we don't invest in it, we're basically building our house on quicksand.

Lastly, we need to advocate for policies that protect the rights and voice of educators and their unions. Because let's face it, folks, teachers deserve to have a say in their profession. They're the ones in the trenches every day, fighting the good fight.

So there you have it, folks. The NEA's solutions to the teacher shortage crisis. Let's make sure every student has access to a caring, qualified, and committed educator who can help them achieve their dreams. And who knows, maybe one day we'll have so many teachers that we'll have to start building new schools just to fit them all in.

National Education Association addresses Indiana teacher shortage - WISH-TV | Indianapolis News | Indiana Weather | Indiana Traffic https://www.wishtv.com/news/local-news/national-education-association-addresses-indiana-teacher-shortage/ 

THE DEFT DIVE

FROM BING AI

The teacher shortages vary by state, region, and subject area. Some of the states that face the most severe teacher shortages are:

• - **Florida**: The state leads the nation with nearly **4,000** unfilled teaching positions for the 2023-24 school year¹³. The state is recruiting military veterans to teach without a license and hiring international teachers to help the shortage¹².
• - **Illinois**: The state has **1,703** vacancies for the 2023-24 school year¹³. The state has lowered the minimum GPA requirement for teacher candidates and offered financial incentives to attract and retain teachers¹².
• - **Arizona**: The state has **1,699** vacancies for the 2023-24 school year¹³. The state has implemented a four-day school week and increased teacher salaries to address the shortage¹².
• - **Tennessee**: The state had **3,900** positions either vacant or held by someone with an emergency teaching credential for the 2022-23 school year[^10^]. The state has difficulty recruiting and retaining teachers in rural areas and high-need subjects¹².
• - **Virginia**: The state had more than **3,500** full-time teacher vacancies for the 2022-23 school year, a rate of about **3.9%** unfulfilled positions[^10^]. The state has a high turnover rate and a low supply of new teachers entering the profession¹².

Some of the regions that face the most severe teacher shortages are:

• - **The South**: The region has some of the lowest teacher-to-student ratios in the nation, with states like Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina having less than 40 teachers per 1,000 students enrolled[^10^]. The region also struggles with low teacher pay, high poverty rates, and large class sizes¹².
• - **The West**: The region has some of the highest teacher-to-student ratios in the nation, with states like Nevada, California, Oregon, and Washington having more than 50 teachers per 1,000 students enrolled[^10^]. The region also faces challenges with high living costs, diverse student populations, and rapid enrollment growth¹².

Some of the subject areas that face the most severe teacher shortages are:

• - **Special Education**: This is the most common area of teacher shortage across all states and territories, according to the U.S. Department of Education¹¹. Special education teachers face high levels of stress, workload, and paperwork, as well as low levels of support and recognition¹².
• - **Mathematics**: This is another area of high demand and low supply across all states and territories, according to the U.S. Department of Education¹¹. Mathematics teachers require specialized knowledge and skills, as well as strong pedagogical practices to engage students in learning complex concepts¹².
• - **Science**: This is also an area of high demand and low supply across all states and territories, according to the U.S. Department of Education¹¹. Science teachers face similar challenges as mathematics teachers, as well as a lack of adequate resources and equipment for laboratory activities¹².

Bing, 8/30/2023

• (1) Report details teacher shortages by state - Phys.org. https://phys.org/news/2022-08-teacher-shortages-state.html.
• (2) 10 States With Massive Teacher Shortages (February 2023) - Universities.com. https://www.universities.com/education/states-with-the-highest-teacher-shortages.
• (3) Teacher shortages in US: How do vacancies compare in your state?. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/education/2023/08/24/teacher-shortages-in-us-compare-your-state/70660263007/.
• (4) Teacher Shortage Areas by State - National Conference of State Legislatures. https://www.ncsl.org/education/teacher-shortage-areas-by-state.
• (5) Where are the worst teacher shortages? | World Economic Forum. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2015/12/where-are-the-worst-teacher-shortages/.
• (6) THE WORLD NEEDS ALMOST 69 MILLION NEW TEACHERS TO REACH THE ... - UNESCO. http://uis.unesco.org/sites/default/files/documents/fs39-the-world-needs-almost-69-million-new-teachers-to-reach-the-2030-education-goals-2016-en.pdf.
• (7) Countries With Teacher Shortages - WorldAtlas. https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/countries-with-teacher-shortages.html.
• (8) Teacher shortages worry countries across Europe | Euronews. https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2022/11/30/teacher-shortages-worry-countries-across-europe.
• (9) The shortage of teachers is a global crisis: How can we curb it?. https://www.globalpartnership.org/blog/shortage-teachers-global-crisis-how-can-we-curb-it.
• (10) undefined. http://on.unesco.org/teachers-map.
• (11) 2023 teacher shortages: What to know about vacancies in your region.. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/2023-teacher-shortages-what-to-know-about-vacancies-in-your-region/ar-AA1fIjEv.
• (12) 2023 teacher shortages: What to know about vacancies in the South. https://news.yahoo.com/2023-teacher-shortages-know-vacancies-111005029.html.
• (13) Amid shortage, ESASD inducts 60 new teachers for 2023-24. https://news.yahoo.com/amid-shortage-esasd-inducts-60-090147591.html.
• (14) State Reporting of Teacher Supply and Demand Data. https://www.nctq.org/publications/State-of-the-States-2021:-State-Reporting-of-Teacher-Supply-and-Demand-Data.

SAC CITY USD WHERE BILLIONAIRES BOYS CLUB HAS RULED AND STUDENTS HAVE PAID FOR THE MISTAKES

SAC CITY USD WHERE BILLIONAIRES BOYS CLUB HAS RULED AND STUDENTS HAVE PAID FOR THE MISTAKES

Sacramento City Unified School District is in a bit of a pickle. After 25 years of leadership paid for by billionaire privatizers, the district is now facing the consequences of their actions. Will the students pay the price for their mistakes, or will the state finally see the light and put an end to the privatizing policies that are destroying our public schools?

Interim Sup Lisa Allen may be the saving grace for the district. As someone who has lived through the leadership freak show that has plagued the district and penalized our students, she may be able to show the district the value of having someone who understands the struggles of the students and teachers.

But let's not forget about the $46.2 million fine that the district could still face for the teachers and staff strike that cut eight days of instruction from the 2021-2022 school year. The State Controller's Office is still reviewing a report from the district's independent auditor, and the district could avoid the penalty by filing a waiver of the instructional time financial penalty with the State Board of Education. Or, they could request a summary review or file a formal appeal through the Education Audit Appeals Panel. If neither option is pursued, the district would face the fine, though they could request to repay the penalty over multiple years.

It's like a game of chess, but instead of kings and queens, we have bureaucrats and lawyers. And let's not forget about the negotiations between the district and teachers for a reopener on salary and other issues to cover the just completed 2022-2023 school year. With 191 vacancies, including 97 classroom positions, according to a district dashboard, it's clear that there are some serious issues that need to be addressed.

In all seriousness, we need to address these issues and find solutions that benefit everyone involved. Our students deserve a quality education, and our teachers deserve fair compensation and support. Let's work together to make Sac City Unified School District a place where everyone can thrive.

Whatever happened to the $46M fine Sac City Unified faced? https://www.kcra.com/article/46m-fine-sacramento-city-unified-school-district-teachers-strike-folllow-up/44940771 

Big Education Ape: THE SAC CITY STRIKE HAS TURNED INTO A FULL FLEDGE REVOLT #STRIKE #SCTA #SEIU #UPE https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2022/03/the-sac-city-strike-that-has-turned.html 

Big Education Ape: SAC CITY - WHEN BILLIONAIRES BY YOUR SCHOOL BOARD: THE RESULTS ARE IN https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/05/sac-city-when-billionaires-by-your.html 

Big Education Ape: UPDATE: Community leaders come together to launch 'Save Sac Schools' from state takeover | abc10com #Unite4SACKids #WeAreSCTA #WeAreCTA #strikeready #REDFORED #SCTA #CTA https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2019/03/community-leaders-come-together-to.html 

TRUMP GANGSTER? I AM SO CONFUSED

TRUMP GANGSTER? I AM SO CONFUSED 

Donald Trump, the former President of the United States, has been in the news lately for all the wrong reasons. From his alleged links to organized crime to his hilarious legal defense strategies, Trump has managed to keep us all entertained. But the question on everyone's mind is, is Trump a gangster? I am so confused. Let's dive in and find out.

Firstly, let's address the elephant in the room. Trump's alleged links to organized crime. Now, Trump has denied these allegations, but evidence suggests otherwise. For years, during his business career, Trump worked or associated with proven or alleged mobsters. And let's be real, it's not like he's hiding it. I mean, have you seen his hair? That's a clear indication that he's not afraid of making bold statements.

But let's not jump to conclusions just yet. Maybe Trump just has a thing for bad boys. I mean, who wouldn't want to hang out with a bunch of guys who wear fedoras and carry around tommy guns? It's like being in a Scorsese movie, but in real life. And let's be honest, Trump would make a great mob boss. He already has the perfect catchphrase - "You're fired!" - which could easily be replaced with "You're sleeping with the fishes!"

Now, let's talk about Trump's legal defense strategies. His team has been criticized for equating his trial to that of the Scottsboro Boys, nine Black teenagers who were denied due process and sentenced to death without consulting counsel. I mean, come on. That's like comparing apples to oranges. Or in Trump's case, comparing fake tan to real skin.

But you have to give it to Trump's lawyers. They really know how to put on a show. Their use of cartoon comparisons and impassioned oral advocacy is truly something to behold. It's like watching a bunch of clowns trying to juggle chainsaws. You know it's going to end badly, but you just can't look away.

And let's not forget about the 11.5 million pages of documents presented to Trump in discovery. His lawyers argued that he would be unfairly prejudiced by this overwhelming amount of evidence and that he could not possibly prepare an effective defense without a hefty delay. But U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan was having none of it. She set a trial date for March 4, 2024, which gives Trump plenty of time to perfect his gangster persona.

In conclusion, is Trump a gangster? I am still confused. But one thing is for sure, he knows how to keep us entertained. From his alleged links to organized crime to his hilarious legal defense strategies, Trump has managed to capture our attention and keep us on the edge of our seats. So, let's sit back, relax, and enjoy the show. And who knows, maybe one day we'll see Trump starring in his own Scorsese movie.

'Stunningly stupid': Trump compares case to 'Scottsboro Boys' https://lawandcrime.com/high-profile/stunningly-stupid-trump-makes-bizarre-analogy-of-his-case-to-scottsboro-boys-prosecution-of-black-teens/ 

The Many Times Donald Trump Has Lied About His Mob Connections – Mother Jones https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2016/09/donald-trump-lies-about-dealings-mafia-figures/ 

ROCKLIN SCHOOL BOARD PRES CALLS ON WHITE JESUS TO SAVE THE DISTRICT: FILM AT 11

 

ROCKLIN SCHOOL BOARD PRES CALLS ON WHITE JESUS TO SAVE THE DISTRICT: FILM AT 11

In a recent turn of events, the president of the Rocklin School Board in California has called upon the almighty White Jesus to save the district. Yes, you read that right. The board president, Julie Leavens Hupp, made a statement urging "Christ-centered" families to join the district's advisory committees. 

Now, we're not sure if Ms. Hupp is aware of the separation between church and state, but we're pretty sure that calling on a religious figure to intervene in public school affairs is not exactly legal. But hey, who are we to judge? Maybe White Jesus has a degree in education and is qualified to give input on new curriculum and district policies. 

The statement caused concern among some parents, who worried about the erosion of the separation between church and state. However, other parents supported the message, arguing that Christians should be allowed to give their input like anyone else. We're not sure if these parents realize that "Christ-centered" families are not the only ones who pay taxes and have a say in public school affairs. 

The school district stated that it was aware of the social media posts and called for diversity in the committees. Parents can sign up for the committees until 29 August, so if you're a follower of White Jesus and want to have a say in your child's education, now's your chance! 

In all seriousness, we hope that the Rocklin School Board takes this situation seriously and ensures that all voices are heard in the decision-making process. Education is important, and it's crucial that we provide our children with a well-rounded and diverse curriculum that prepares them for the real world. Let's leave White Jesus out of it.

Calls for 'Christ centered' committee members meet mixed reaction https://www.kcra.com/article/rocklin-school-board-committee-members-lashback/44930995 

THE DEFT DIVE

FROM BING AI

Rocklin school board president's calls for 'Christ centered' committee:

• - The Rocklin Unified School District (RUSD) is a public school district in Placer County, California, that serves about 12,000 students in 19 schools¹.
• - The RUSD Board of Trustees consists of five members who are elected by the voters of the district for four-year terms². The current board president is Julie Leavens Hupp, who was elected in 2020 with 25.8% of the votes³.
• - On August 27, 2023, Hupp posted a message on her campaign Facebook page, urging "as many Christ-centered, family-focused parents" to apply for the RUSD advisory committees, which provide input on various district policies and curriculum⁴⁵. She also wrote that she was "looking for people who will stand up to the radical left agenda that is being pushed in our schools" and that she wanted to "bring back our Christian values and morals".
• - Hupp's post sparked a backlash from many parents and community members, who accused her of violating the separation of church and state and discriminating against people of other faiths or no faith. Some parents also expressed concern that Hupp was trying to influence the selection of a new science curriculum for grades 3-5, which had been postponed by the board in April 2023 after some parents objected to its content on evolution, climate change, and human reproduction⁶⁷.
• - In response to the criticism, Hupp posted another message on her Facebook page, clarifying that she was not excluding anyone from applying for the committees and that she welcomed "all faiths and all child loving people". She also said that she was "proud of the diversity of our community" and that she hoped to see it represented in all of the committees⁸.
• - However, some parents were not satisfied with Hupp's explanation and demanded a formal apology from her. They also called for more transparency from the board on how they would select the committee members and what criteria they would use. Some parents said they planned to attend the next board meeting on September 6, 2023, to voice their concerns and ask for Hupp's resignation⁹ .
• - As of August 29, 2023, there has been no official statement from the RUSD or the board regarding Hupp's posts or the controversy they caused. There has also been no indication of any legal action or lawsuit filed against Hupp or the district over this issue.

 Bing, 8/29/2023

• (1) Rocklin school board president's calls for 'Christ centered' committee members gets mixed reaction. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/calls-for-christ-centered-committee-members-meet-mixed-reaction/vi-AA1fUD1m.
• (2) Rocklin schools president calls out for Christ-centered parents - abc10.com. https://www.abc10.com/article/news/education/rocklin-school-board-advisory-committee/103-bc5c7006-96e0-4ed4-a035-94983acdbbfc.
• (3) Rocklin school board president's calls for 'Christ centered' committee .... https://www.kcra.com/article/rocklin-school-board-committee-members-lashback/44930995.
• (4) California school board president faces backlash for calling ‘Christ .... https://totalnews.com/california-school-board-president-faces-backlash-for-calling-christ-centered-parents-to-get-involved/.
• (5) California school board president faces backlash for calling 'Christ .... https://www.foxnews.com/media/california-school-board-president-faces-backlash-calling-christ-centered-parents-get-involved-curriculum.
• (6) Rocklin school board president faces controversy over calls for .... https://www.cbsnews.com/sacramento/news/rocklin-school-board-president-faces-controversy-over-calls-for-religion-in-curriculum/.
• (7) Rocklin school board president faces controversy over calls for .... https://www.channel3000.com/news/national-and-world-news/rocklin-school-board-president-faces-controversy-over-calls-for-religion-in-curriculum/article_663ae8b0-219b-54a7-b534-a52bfd2c6958.html.
• (8) Rocklin School Board President Facing Backlash For ‘Christ-Centered .... https://kubaradio.com/rocklin-school-board-president-facing-backlash-for-christ-centered-comments/.
• (9) Rocklin school board president faces controversy over calls for .... https://abc17news.com/cnn-regional/2023/08/28/rocklin-school-board-president-faces-controversy-over-calls-for-religion-in-curriculum/.

SFUSD WHERE THE BILLIONAIRES PLAY AND TEACHERS PRAY

 

SFUSD WHERE THE BILLIONAIRES PLAY AND TEACHERS PRAY

San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) is in the news again, and this time it's not for their high-ranking Asian students or their big budget. No, this time it's for their financial mismanagement, teacher shortages, and potential school closures. But don't worry, folks, it's all part of the billionaires' plan to destroy public education in California.

According to the San Francisco teachers' union, the district has borrowed irresponsibly, failed to capitalize on vacant properties, and overspent on top administrative salaries. And let's not forget about the faulty payroll system that cost the district over $30 million. But hey, at least they're consistent in their mismanagement.

The union is asking for a two-year, across-the-board raise for all credentialed teachers and a minimum salary of $30 an hour for teacher's aides. The district responded with a $5,500 across-the-board raise proposal for a one-year contract. The union says that the district received $80 million from the state last year and has millions of dollars in savings. So why not spread the wealth, right?

But the real issue here is the portfolio model that SFUSD is using, which is straight out of the billionaires' privatization playbook. This model emphasizes testing and data over actual learning and creativity. It's all about the bottom line, folks, and if that means closing schools and laying off teachers, so be it.

And let's not forget about the scandals that have plagued SFUSD over the years. From Alison Collins' frivolous lawsuit to the school board's decision to rename 44 schools without consulting historians or educators, it's clear that SFUSD has a knack for making headlines for all the wrong reasons.

But perhaps the biggest scandal of all is the persistent achievement gap between white and Asian students and their Black and Latino peers. Despite various attempts to desegregate schools, increase funding, and implement reforms, the district has failed to close the gap or improve outcomes for its most disadvantaged students. It's as if SFUSD is stuck in a time loop, repeating the same mistakes over and over again.

So what's the solution? Well, for starters, how about we stop letting billionaires buy our school board elections? How about we prioritize actual learning and creativity over testing and data? And how about we actually listen to teachers and parents instead of just paying lip service to their concerns?

In conclusion, SFUSD may have a big budget and high-ranking Asian students, but it's clear that something is seriously wrong with this district. It's time to stop the billionaires' privatization agenda and start prioritizing public education for all students. Because if we don't, we'll be stuck in this comedy of errors for years to come.

Teachers Accuse San Francisco School Leaders of Fiscal Mismanagement https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/28/teachers-accuse-san-francisco-public-school-leaders-of-fiscal-mismanagement/ 

THE DEFT DIVE

FROM BING AI

SFUSD compares to other school districts in California in the following ways:

• - SFUSD is one of the most diverse school districts in California and in the nation, ranking fifth and 67th respectively¹.
• - SFUSD has the second highest Academic Performance Index among the seven largest California school districts, which measures student achievement and growth based on standardized tests³.
• - SFUSD has seven high schools that were named among the top five percent in the country by Newsweek in 2007³.
• - SFUSD spends more and has more staff allocated to central administration functions than most of its peer districts, especially on instructional supervision and administration².
• - SFUSD has 75% more schools and 28% less students per school than the median number in its peer districts, which may affect its efficiency and economies of scale².
• - SFUSD faces a budget deficit of $100.2 million and a possible state takeover if it cannot balance its books without relying on one-time funds².

Bing, 8/29/2023

• (1) 2022 San Francisco Unified School District Rankings - Niche. https://www.niche.com/k12/d/san-francisco-unified-school-district-ca/rankings/.
• (2) San Francisco Unified School District - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Francisco_Unified_School_District.
• (3) SF Schools Spent Nearly Double on Central Admin vs. Peers. https://sfstandard.com/education/san-francisco-schools-sfusd-spending-central-administration-audit/.

San Francisco Public Schools fiscal mismanagement. 

• - The San Francisco teachers' union released a report on August 28, 2023, accusing the school district of fiscal mismanagement amid ongoing contract negotiations¹²⁶. The report claims that the district has borrowed irresponsibly, failed to capitalize on vacant properties, hired expensive consultants, and overspent on top administrative salaries¹²⁶. The union says that the district's behavior has led to teacher shortages, a payroll disaster, and talk of merging and closing campuses¹²⁶.
• - The union is asking for a two-year, across-the-board raise for all credentialed teachers and a minimum salary of $30 an hour for teacher's aides, which would cost the district roughly $90 million over the course of the contract¹²⁶. The district responded with a $5,500 across-the-board raise proposal for a one-year contract¹²⁶. The union says that the district received $80 million from the state last year and has millions of dollars in savings¹²⁶.
• - The school board approved a $1.16 billion total operating budget for the 2021-22 school year on June 23, 2021⁹ [^10^]. The budget includes the $75.8 million 2021-22 Public Education Enrichment Fund (PEEF) Expenditure Plan, which supports programs such as sports, libraries, arts, and music in the public schools⁹ [^10^]. The budget also includes $93.5 million parcel taxes from the Quality Teacher and Education Act (QTEA) and the Fair Wages for Educators Act (FWEA), which help make San Francisco teacher salaries competitive and provide financial incentives for teachers to work at high-needs schools and subjects⁹ [^10^].
• - The district expects to receive $140 million in federal stimulus funding that will help welcome students back with increased academic and wellness support in the fall and will help address a budget deficit of $100.2 million⁹. The district also expects to receive $551.3 million from the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF), California's primary source of state education dollars⁹. However, school district officials caution that these new state and federal funds may only be short-term relief for an ongoing structural deficit facing SFUSD and many other California school districts⁹.
• - The district faces possible takeover by the state due to its budget problems¹¹. According to state law, if a school district cannot meet its financial obligations for the current or two subsequent fiscal years, it must request an emergency loan from the state, which would trigger state intervention and loss of local control¹¹. The district has until October 8, 2021, to submit a revised budget to the county office of education that shows how it will balance its books without relying on one-time funds¹¹. If the county office rejects the revised budget, it could appoint a fiscal advisor to oversee the district's finances and make recommendations to avoid insolvency¹¹.

 Bing, 8/29/2023

• (1) Teachers Accuse SF School Leaders of Fiscal Mismanagement. https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/28/teachers-accuse-san-francisco-public-school-leaders-of-fiscal-mismanagement/.
• (2) ‘Math isn’t mathing’: Teachers’ union alleges SF school district of .... https://localnewsmatters.org/2023/08/28/math-isnt-mathing-teachers-union-alleges-sf-school-district-of-fiscal-mismanagement/.
• (3) Teachers' Union Releases Report Accusing School District Of Fiscal .... https://www.sfgate.com/news/bayarea/article/teachers-union-releases-report-accusing-school-18335086.php.
• (4) SF Board of Education Approves Budget for 2021-22 School Year. https://www.sfusd.edu/about-sfusd/sfusd-news/press-releases/2021-06-23-sf-board-education-approves-budget-2021-22-school-year.
• (5) Budget and LCAP | SFUSD - San Francisco Public Schools. https://www.sfusd.edu/about-sfusd/budget-and-lcap.
• (6) San Francisco school district faces possible takeover due to budget .... https://www.kron4.com/news/bay-area/san-francisco-school-district-faces-possible-takeover-due-to-budget-problems/.
• (7) San Francisco teachers' union accuses school district of fiscal .... https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/san-francisco/san-francisco-unified-school-district-fiscal-mismanagement/3305731/.
• (8) SF teachers, parents claim San Francisco Unified School District .... https://abc7news.com/san-francisco-teachers-sfusd-board-of-education-district-stabilization-plan/13712985/.
• (9) undefined. https://t.co/w7B5HpkX8n.
• (10) . https://bing.com/search?q=San+Francisco+Unified+School+District+budget.
• (11) San Francisco Unified School District. https://www.sfusd.edu/.
• (12) SFUSD Board approves short-term budget for 2021-22. https://sfbayview.com/2021/07/sfusd-board-approves-short-term-budget-for-2021-22/.

SFUSD scandals:

• - One of the most recent scandals involves Alison Collins, a school board member who filed a $87 million lawsuit against the district and five of her colleagues for stripping her of her vice-president title and committee assignments over her 2016 tweets that disparaged Asian Americans¹. The lawsuit claims that Collins was a victim of a "cancel culture" campaign orchestrated by the mayor, the city attorney, and wealthy donors who wanted to silence her voice on racial justice issues¹. The lawsuit also alleges that Collins was unfairly targeted for her criticism of the district's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and its failure to reopen schools¹. The lawsuit has been widely criticized as frivolous, baseless, and self-serving by legal experts, community leaders, and parents¹.
• - Another scandal that drew national attention was the school board's decision to rename 44 schools that were named after historical figures who were deemed to have ties to slavery, oppression, racism, or genocide². The decision was made without consulting historians, educators, or the public, and relied on faulty research from a volunteer committee that used Wikipedia and other questionable sources². Some of the names that were slated to be changed included Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, Paul Revere, and Dianne Feinstein². The decision sparked outrage and ridicule from across the political spectrum, and was challenged in court by a group of parents and alumni who argued that the board violated state law by not holding public hearings or considering the educational impact of the name changes². The board eventually suspended the renaming process and admitted that it had made mistakes².
• - A third scandal that has plagued the district for decades is the persistent achievement gap between white and Asian students and their Black and Latino peers³. Despite various attempts to desegregate schools, increase funding, and implement reforms, the district has failed to close the gap or improve the outcomes for its most disadvantaged students³. According to the 2019 California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP), only 19% of Black students and 23% of Latino students met or exceeded standards in English language arts, compared to 79% of Asian students and 72% of white students³. In math, only 12% of Black students and 16% of Latino students met or exceeded standards, compared to 77% of Asian students and 66% of white students³. The district also has one of the highest suspension rates for Black students in the state, and one of the lowest graduation rates for Black males in the nation³.

Bing, 8/29/2023

• (1) Alison Collins' strange and terrible $87M lawsuit - Mission Local. https://missionlocal.org/2021/04/alison-collins-strange-and-terrible-87m-lawsuit/.
• (2) Why San Francisco’s city government is so dysfunctional - The Economist. https://www.economist.com/united-states/2021/08/28/why-san-franciscos-city-government-is-so-dysfunctional.
• (3) Facing Our Past, Changing Our Future, Part II: Five ... - SFUSD: Home. https://www.sfusd.edu/facing-our-past-changing-our-future-part-ii-five-decades-desegregation-sfusd-1971-today.

THE FUTURE IS NOW: HOW MEASURE QQ GIVES HIGH SCHOOLERS A VOICE... AND A VOTE

THE FUTURE IS NOW: HOW MEASURE QQ GIVES HIGH SCHOOLERS A VOICE... AND A VOTE

Attention all high school students in Oakland! Get ready to exercise your right to vote because Measure QQ is coming to town! That's right, the voting age for school board elections is being lowered to 16, and it's not just any ordinary civics lesson, it's a real-life one!

Now, I know what you're thinking. "Wait, I can barely decide what to wear to school, how am I supposed to decide who should be on the school board?" Well, fear not my young friends, because you are not alone. Many adults also struggle with this decision. But hey, at least you don't have to worry about paying taxes yet, so that's a plus!

Measure QQ was approved by 67% of Oakland voters in the 2020 general election. It was supported by a coalition of youth organizations who argued that young people should have a voice in the laws that affect their lives. And let's be real, who knows more about what's going on in schools than the students themselves?

But not everyone was on board with this idea. Some people argued that 16-year-olds are not mature enough to participate in elections, or that they would be influenced by their parents or teachers. Well, newsflash, adults can also be influenced by their families and friends. And let's be honest, some of them are not exactly the most mature people either.

The implementation of Measure QQ has been delayed due to technical and legal challenges. The Alameda County Registrar of Voters has not made the necessary changes to its voter databases and ballots to accommodate the younger voters. But don't worry, we'll get there eventually. Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither was a fair and just electoral system.

If Measure QQ is implemented by 2024, 16- and 17-year-olds in Oakland will be able to vote in the school board races for Districts 1, 3, 5, and 7. That means you will have a say in who represents your district and makes decisions about your education. So start doing your research now and get ready to cast your vote!

To make things even more exciting, the youth vote coalition is planning to host a candidate forum at Fremont High School in October for the special election taking place in November to fill the vacant school board seat in District 5. And the school district's student government association, All City Council, will endorse a candidate through a mock youth vote. So not only will you get to vote for real in a few years, but you can also practice your voting skills now.

Now, I know what you're thinking. "But what if I make the wrong choice?" Well, my young friend, that's the beauty of democracy. Sometimes we make mistakes, but we learn from them and we keep moving forward. And if all else fails, just remember to vote for the candidate with the funniest name. Works every time.

In all seriousness though, lowering the voting age is a step towards creating a more inclusive and democratic society. It gives young people a voice and empowers them to shape their own future. So let's embrace this opportunity and show the world that we are ready to be active and engaged citizens.

In conclusion, Measure QQ is not just a civics lesson, it's a chance for young people to make a real difference in their community. So let's get out there and show everyone what we're made of! And remember, when in doubt, always vote for the candidate with the funniest name.

So what are you waiting for? Get out there and register to vote! And who knows, maybe one day you'll be running for office yourself. Just don't forget about us little people when you're in charge.

Oakland youth could vote in school board elections as early as 2024 https://oaklandside.org/2023/08/28/oakland-youth-vote-measure-qq-2024-school-board-election/

THE DEFT DIVE

FROM BING AI

Measure QQ, which lowers the voting age to 16 for OUSD board elections:

• - Measure QQ was a ballot measure that was approved by 67% of Oakland voters in the 2020 general election¹². It amended the city charter to authorize the city council to allow 16- and 17-year-olds who are otherwise eligible to vote under state and local law to vote for the office of school board director⁵.
• - The measure was supported by a coalition of youth organizations, such as Oakland Kids First, All City Council Student Union, and Youth Together, who argued that young people should have a voice in the laws that affect their lives and a stake in the future of their country¹². They also claimed that lowering the voting age would increase voter turnout and develop lifelong voting habits⁶.
• - The measure faced some opposition from people who believed that 16-year-olds are not mature enough to participate in elections, or that they would be influenced by their parents or teachers⁶⁷. Some also argued that the measure was unnecessary, since OUSD already has two student directors who are elected by students and can advise the board on issues affecting them⁷.
• - The implementation of Measure QQ has been delayed due to technical and legal challenges. The Alameda County Registrar of Voters, which oversees the elections in Oakland, has not made the necessary changes to its voter databases and ballots to accommodate the younger voters¹. There are also privacy concerns about how to protect the personal information of minors who register to vote¹.
• - In June 2023, the Alameda County Board of Supervisors directed the registrar to implement Measure QQ by the November 2024 general election¹. The Oakland City Council and the OUSD Board of Education must also pass resolutions detailing how voting will work for young people and who exactly is eligible¹.
• - If Measure QQ is implemented by 2024, 16- and 17-year-olds in Oakland will be able to vote in the school board races for Districts 1, 3, 5, and 7¹. These districts are currently represented by Sam Davis, VanCedric Williams, Mike Hutchinson, and Clifford Thompson, respectively¹¹. The candidates for these seats have not been announced yet.

Bing, 8/29/2023

• (1) Oakland youth could vote in school board elections as early as 2024. https://oaklandside.org/2023/08/28/oakland-youth-vote-measure-qq-2024-school-board-election/.
• (2) Home - Oakland Youth Vote. https://oaklandyouthvote.org/.
• (3) Oakland, California, Measure QQ, Allow 16-Year-Olds to ... - Ballotpedia. https://ballotpedia.org/Oakland,_California,_Measure_QQ,_Allow_16-Year-Olds_to_Vote_for_School_Board_Director_Charter_Amendment_%28November_2020%29.
• (4) Lowering the Voting Age – Top 3 Pros and Cons - ProCon.org. https://www.procon.org/headlines/lowering-the-voting-age-top-3-pros-and-cons/.
• (5) Pro and Con: Lowering the Voting Age in the United States. https://www.britannica.com/story/pro-and-con-lowering-the-voting-age-in-the-united-states.
• (6) How to attend OUSD school board meetings - oaklandside.org. https://oaklandside.org/2023/08/08/attend-ousd-oakland-school-board-meetings-2023-2024/.
• (7) What is Oakland's Measure QQ? A video explainer by Iris Crawford and .... https://oaklandvoices.us/2020/10/26/what-is-oaklands-measure-qq-a-video-explainer-by-iris-crawford-and-azucena-rasilla/.
• (8) Measure QQ: Lowering the voting age for school board races. https://oaklandside.org/2020/10/26/measure-qq-lowering-the-voting-age-for-school-board-races/.
• (9) Pros and Cons of Lowering the Voting Age - Benefits - proscons. https://prosconss.com/pros-and-cons-of-lowering-the-voting-age.
• (10) The pros and cons of lowering the voting age - Campaigning Info. https://campaigninginfo.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-lowering-the-voting-age/.
• (11) Pros and Cons of Lowering the Voting Age to 16 - Purposeful Politics. https://purposefulpolitics.com/pros-cons-lower-voting-age-to-16/.
• (12) 2022 Election: Meet the OUSD school board candidates for District 6 - MSN. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/2022-election-meet-the-ousd-school-board-candidates-for-district-6/ar-AA12Wdss.
• (13) Who’s running for president in 2024? All the declared candidates. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-interactive/2023/jun/17/2024-presidential-candidates-biden-trump-republicans-democrats.
• (14) OUSD school board race: Brouhard, Resnick, Bachelor pull ahead. https://oaklandside.org/2022/11/10/oakland-school-board-election-leading-candidates/.

NEW BS HIGH SCHOOL RANKING IS OUT: RICH KIDS STILL WINNING

NEW BS HIGH SCHOOL RANKING IS OUT: RICH KIDS STILL WINNING

Are you tired of hearing about the "best" schools in the country? Well, I've got news for you: those rankings are just a bunch of bullsh*t. All they really tell you is which schools have the richest kids and are located in the most affluent areas.

Let's take a look at the top 10 schools in the 2021 Best High Schools national rankings. Not a single one of them is a Title I majority school, meaning they don't have at least 40% of their students from low-income families. In other words, these schools are for rich kids only.

And don't even get me started on the demographics of these schools. Some of them have student bodies that are over 70% Asian. Others have more balanced racial and ethnic compositions, but they're still not representative of the real world.

But here's the real kicker: these rankings are just another way to measure how white a school is. Sure, they might claim to be looking at academic performance and other factors, but at the end of the day, it's all about how many rich white kids go there.

And if you really want to compare schools, just look at their budgets. The rich schools have all the resources they need to provide a top-notch education, while the poor schools are struggling just to keep the lights on.

So, next time you hear someone bragging about their school's ranking, just remember: it's all a bunch of bullsh*t. The real measure of a school's success is how well it serves ALL its students, not just the ones with trust funds.

High School Rankings Overview: Best High Schools https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/rankings-overview 

THE DEFT DIVE

According to the U.S. News & World Report, the top 10 schools in the 2021 Best High Schools national rankings are¹²:

1. Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (VA)

2. Academic Magnet High School (SC)

3. The Davidson Academy of Nevada (NV)

4. Payton College Preparatory High School (IL)

5. School for Advanced Studies (FL)

6. Sumner Academy of Arts and Science (KS)

7. Merrol Hyde Magnet School (TN)

8. BASIS Chandler (AZ)

9. Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science and Technology (GA)

10. Townsend Harris High School (NY)

None of these schools are Title I majority schools, meaning that they do not have at least 40% of their students from low-income families eligible for Title I funding⁵. In fact, most of these schools have very low percentages of students who are economically disadvantaged, ranging from 0.6% at Thomas Jefferson High School to 15.8% at Townsend Harris High School¹⁶.

The demographics of these schools also vary widely, reflecting the diversity of the communities they serve. For example, Thomas Jefferson High School has a student body that is 70% Asian, 20% White, 3% Hispanic and 2% Black¹⁶, while Townsend Harris High School has a student body that is 49% Asian, 25% White, 12% Hispanic and 9% Black¹⁶. Some schools have more balanced racial and ethnic compositions, such as Sumner Academy of Arts and Science, which has a student body that is 34% Black, 29% White, 24% Hispanic and 7% Asian¹⁶.

The economic conditions of the communities where these schools are located also differ significantly. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income in Fairfax County, Virginia, where Thomas Jefferson High School is located, was $124,831 in 2019¹⁷, while the median household income in Queens County, New York, where Townsend Harris High School is located, was $68,992 in 2019¹⁷. The poverty rates in these counties also vary, from 5.7% in Fairfax County to 13.4% in Queens County¹⁷.

Bing, 8/29/2023

• (1) U.S. News Announces 2021 Best High Schools Rankings - PR Newswire. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/us-news-announces-2021-best-high-schools-rankings-301277337.html.
• (2) Title I funding for schools: Interactive maps show your state's stakes. https://journalistsresource.org/economics/2020-census-title-i-maps/.
• (3) undefined. https://www2.ed.gov/admins/lead/account/consolidated/index.html.
• (4) undefined. https://eddataexpress.ed.gov/.
• (5) 2022-2023 Best National Universities | US News Rankings. https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/national-universities.
• (6) U.S. News Best Colleges - U.S. News & World Report. https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges.
• (7) 10 best universities in the world, according to US News ranking - CNBC. https://www.cnbc.com/2019/10/22/10-best-universities-in-the-world-according-to-us-news-ranking.html.
• (8) The 10 best global universities of 2022, according to U.S. News - CNBC. https://www.cnbc.com/2021/10/26/the-10-best-global-universities-of-2022-according-to-us-news.html.
• (9) Children in Title I schools by race and ethnicity in United States. https://datacenter.aecf.org/data/tables/8418-children-in-title-i-schools-by-race-and-ethnicity.
• (10) Federal Programs / Title I - Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. https://www.cmsk12.org/Page/769.
• (11) Title 1 Status for Public Schools in California Counties - Zipdatamaps. https://www.zipdatamaps.com/counties/state/education/map-of-percentage-of-title-1-status-public-schools-for-counties-in-california.
• (12) Title 1 Status for Public Schools in Massachusetts Counties - Zipdatamaps. https://www.zipdatamaps.com/counties/state/education/map-of-percentage-of-title-1-status-public-schools-for-counties-in-massachusetts.
• (13) U.S News Reveals 2023-2024 Best High Schools Rankings. https://www.usnews.com/info/blogs/press-room/articles/2023-08-29/u-s-news-reveals-2023-2024-best-high-schools-rankings.
• (14) U.S. News Announces New Rankings of Elementary and Middle Schools. https://www.usnews.com/info/blogs/press-room/articles/2021-10-12/us-news-announces-new-rankings-of-elementary-and-middle-schools.
• (15) US News & World Report: The 20 best high schools in the US - CNBC. https://www.cnbc.com/2019/05/01/us-news-world-report-the-20-best-high-schools-in-the-us.html.
• (16) Top Tennessee high schools 2022: US News & World Report list. https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/education/2022/04/26/top-tennessee-high-schools-2022-us-news-world-report-list/7442685001/.
• (17) U.S. News & World Report Announces the 2021 Best Colleges Rankings. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/us-news--world-report-announces-the-2021-best-colleges-rankings-301129653.html.